Doctors in Greater Manchester are warning hay fever sufferers to step up their caution this weekend.
'High' and 'very high' pollen levels are expected to continue over the weekend and into early next week. Medics say anyone suffering with hay fever, along with other respiratory conditions, should manage their symptoms even more carefully.
Local pharmacies are a good place for people to start if they are unsure what they should be doing to manage their symptoms at the current time, say NHS chiefs. Some one in five people suffer from hay fever.
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NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care – which organises health services for the region – is reminding residents that, combined with the heat and air pollution, pollen levels can impact on people’s health. Dr Helen Wall, Clinical Director for Population Health at NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care, said: “This can be a difficult time of year for people with hay fever.
"In fact, one in five people suffer from hay fever and for some, it can be really severe. But there are a number of treatments available over the counter at your local pharmacy which can help. These include antihistamine tablets, nasal sprays, or eye drops can be very effective at relieving symptoms.
“People with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can also suffer around this time of year and we would advise them to always carry their inhaler with them and not to leave it in direct sunlight.”
To reduce or prevent symptoms, people can:
- avoid exposure to pollen by staying indoors as much as possible on high pollen count days;
- wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes;
- put Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen;
- shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors to remove any pollen that may have accumulated on the skin or clothing; and
- try not to cut or walk on grass, don’t keep fresh flowers in the house and don’t smoke or be around smoke.
You can find out more by visiting https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/asthma/, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd/ and https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/ or seek advice from your local pharmacist or GP.
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