NHS grass rule for hay fever sufferers as UK hit by 'very high' pollen levels

NHS grass rule for hay fever sufferers as UK hit by 'very high' pollen levels The Met Office has warned of "very high" or "high" pollen levels across parts of the UK this week People are being urged to follow a simple grass rule if they're affected by hay fever. With parts of the UK expected to see "very high" pollen levels this week, it's important to follow advice on reducing your symptoms. Hay fever, clinically known as allergic rhinitis, is a common allergy that causes sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes through reactions to allergens including pollen, dust, mould, and mites. Around one in four people in Britain are affected by hay fever, totalling roughly 16 million people. While there's no cure for hay fever, treatments exist to ease symptoms and certain measures can help reduce pollen exposure. The Met Office website cautions that regions across the UK will face "very high" or "high" pollen levels this week, worsening symptoms. Today (30 June), the east of England and east Midlands can anticipate "very high" levels, with "high" levels across London, south east England, south west England, the west Midlands, Yorkshire and Humber, north west England and north east England. Tomorrow (1 July) and Thursday (2 July), only London and south east England are forecast for "very high" levels, while on Friday and Saturday, London, south east England and the east of England will experience "very high" pollen counts. Symptoms The NHS outlines the main signs of hay fever to watch out for, including: - Sneezing and coughing - A runny or blocked nose - Itchy, red or watery eyes - Itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears - Loss of smell - Pain around the sides of your head and your forehead - Headache - Feeling tired The NHS explains: "Symptoms are usually worse between late March and September, especially when it's warm, humid and windy. This is when the pollen count is at its highest." Hay fever can persist for weeks or months, unlike a cold, which typically clears up after one to two weeks. How to prevent and treat hay fever As part of its guidance, the NHS advises people not to "cut grass or walk on grass" when the pollen count is high. If you are prone to hay fever, the NHS also recommends you: - Put petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) around your nostrils to trap pollen - Wear wraparound sunglasses, a mask or a wide-brimmed hat to stop pollen getting into your nose and eyes - Shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to wash pollen off - Keep windows and doors shut as much as possible - Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth - Try to use a pollen filter in the air vents of your car, if you have one, and a HEPA filter in your vacuum cleaner - Do not spend too much time outside - Do not keep fresh flowers in the house - Do not smoke or be around smoke – it makes your symptoms worse - Do not dry clothes outside – they can catch pollen - Do not let pets into the house if possible – they can carry pollen indoors It is also worth consulting a pharmacist regarding treatments including antihistamine drops, tablets or nasal sprays, and steroid nasal sprays.