As the summer months grow closer many hay fever sufferers will already be starting to feel the effects of rising pollen levels. The symptoms of hay fever can be bothersome with many experiencing a runny nose, headaches, sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes and more from late March to September.
Recent reports that some high street stores are being hit by a shortage of Piriton, a medicine used to help with allergy symptoms, has caused concern. But Dr Hilary Jones has shared his top tips for managing hay fever symptoms and said we shouldn't be 'extraordinary worried' by short supplies.
Joining Lorraine on her morning ITV show, Dr Hilary explained Brexit "hasn't helped" with the shortage. "There is a shortage of some medicines but certainly not all," the 68-year-old GP explained: "We've got 90 products that treat hay fever, which you purchase over counter at the chemists, and there's four in short supply".
Sharing some of his own hacks for helping hay fever suffers, he said: "Simple things, listen to Laura Tobin with the weather forecast and the pollen forecast. She will tell you when the bad days are on their way. Friday is going to be a bad day because we've got higher temperatures.
"Avoid going out in the early morning and early evening, which is when the pollen tends to rise into the sky and then fall to the ground later on as the air cools. Think about wrap-around sunglasses, thinking about pollen filter in your car, think about Vaseline in the nostrils.
"Think about having a shower when you come in from a walk outside," He continued: "To get rid of pollen in your hair and shampoo your hair as well". Many pet owners may be surprised to hear the doctor also recommended shampooing your dog after a walk too, as they can carry pollen on their coats and may also get symptoms of hay fever.
Lorraine airs weekdays on ITV and ITV Hub from 9am.
