If, like millions of other Brits, you've been feeling a familiar scratching of the throat or itchy eyes of late, it could be thanks to the current pollen count – which is so sky-high that the Met Office has issued a rare 'red alert' for hay fever sufferers. Luckily, it also shared a prediction as to how long this intensely itchy phase will last...
England and Wales were the first to be hit by the high pollen levels on Monday, with Scotland and Northern Ireland also experiencing similar. It's reported that birch and ash pollen levels are especially high in England and Wales currently.
The Met Office predicts levels will drop towards the end of this week, and explains: "Hay fever is the most common name for pollen allergy and is most commonly caused by grass pollens, although other pollens can also trigger the symptoms. The symptoms are caused when immune system reacts to pollen in the body to produce histamine and other chemicals."
Symptoms, beyond an irritated throat, eyes or nose, can also include headaches, the inner ear feeling itchy, sweating, headaches, facial pain or even a reduced sense of smell.
According to NHS data, around 20% of the population deal with hay fever, which would equate to around 13 million people in the UK (making it one of the most common conditions overall).
Warmer weather (hurrah!) can also impact pollen count (boo!) – so it's a bit of a trade-off with regards to the coming sunny days.
So, what can you do about it? Plenty, it thankfully turns out...
Which hay fever treatment is right for me?
Before we delve into the various options available, the good news is there are lots of different treatment options that can make a difference to your day - and you don’t even need to see a GP. “In most cases, medicines available without a prescription can be a real help,” reassures Phil Day, Superintendent Pharmacist at Pharmacy2U.
That being said, seeking the help of a qualified medical professional can only be a good thing, as they can offer personal advice. “Easing the symptoms can be as straightforward as an over-the-counter daily antihistamine tablet or a daily nasal spray, and your pharmacist will be able to advise on the best course for you,” Day explains.
Hay fever tablets
“Antihistamines, which stop the body’s reactions to allergens, are available in both tablet and liquid forms and can be used either as required or on a regular basis,” advises Day.
The expert says frequent sufferers may find regular treatment more beneficial to keep the symptoms at bay, and in more severe cases, prescription-strength antihistamines may be required.
Antihistamines work their magic by blocking histamines, the chemical your body produces in response to an allergen. Histamines cause swelling and expansion of the blood vessels, which is at the root of most hay fever symptoms, explains Day.
As such, antihistamines can help with swelling, itching, and other symptoms. “Taken in their recommended dose, antihistamines are fine to take regularly, but you should check with your pharmacist or GP before taking them for a prolonged period of time, in case there might be a better treatment for you,” the pro adds.
Eye drops and nasal spray
“Eye drops and nasal sprays are also available without a prescription and can be combined with antihistamines or used on their own,” according to Day.
Anti-inflammatory steroid nasal sprays such as beclomethasone and fluticasone are very effective when used every day in the allergy season, he says. Like before, prescription strength treatment is also available for people dealing with more troublesome symptoms.
What’s the most effective hay fever treatment?
To cut a long story short, Day says the answer may depend on your pattern of symptoms - adding that it can take some trial and error to find the best treatment for you
“If your main symptoms are a blocked or runny nose, then a daily anti-inflammatory nasal spray could be the best place to start. Similarly, if you are mostly troubled by itchy or watery eyes, an anti-allergy eye drop should help.
“Both of these can also be taken alongside an antihistamine tablet, usually taken once daily, and many different types are available that don’t cause drowsiness – although some are drowsy, which could be helpful if you also have trouble sleeping.”
Do ask your pharmacist, as they can talk you through the options available.
Day points out there are also several lifestyle changes hay fever sufferers may consider making to help ease symptoms. These include:
- Switching up your diet to include foods rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, such as fish, seeds, nuts, and oils, as they contain anti-inflammatory properties which may help to reduce hay fever symptoms.
- Avoiding outside activity when the air is warming up and cooling down (pollen count is usually highest in the morning, late afternoon and early evening, says Day, who recommends checking weather apps daily if you’re especially sensitive to pollen).
- Cutting down on alcohol as most drinks contain histamine. Clear alcohols are generally lower in histamine than darker drinks like red wine and beer, but champagne is high in histamine, the expert explains.
- Vacuuming your home regularly (specifically, you may wish to use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter).
- Wearing wraparound sunglasses to prevent pollen from getting into your eyes.
- Putting Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen.
Following these measures and taking medication can ease symptoms significantly for many people, Day says, but if your symptoms persist or worsen, or you have any concerns, then you should see your GP.
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC’s Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women’s Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
Amber O’Connor is Cosmopolitan UK’s former junior features writer, who covers everything from breaking news, women’s safety and real life features to fitness, travel, and cultural trends. She works on first-person features, reports, and long reads, plus the hottest stories of the day (if you want to know about the latest wellness craze or TikTok trends, she’s your girl). Amber has previously worked as a reporter and a lifestyle writer, with her work appearing in numerous publications, including The Mirror, Red Magazine, Evening Standard, Indy100, and Yahoo News. When she’s not working her way through her TBR list, Amber loves dancing, running, and going on adventures with her dog.
