People are expected to be forced to miss Jubilee celebrations this weekend as new data warns that the pollen count could be high.
Hay fever suffers are no stranger to the effects of a pollen bomb that forces many to stay inside with all windows shut, hiding from the pollen in the air.
New data predicts a pollen bomb over the Queen’s Jubilee weekend, as new research from Kleenex reveals three in five allergy-suffering Brits will cancel social plans as a result of their symptoms.
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The findings revealed that on a typical day when the pollen count is high, those with hay fever deal with symptoms by staying indoors because their allergies are too severe, closing all windows to keep pollen out, or avoiding visiting local parks or green spaces.
As the celebrations will see the nation flock to gardens and street parties to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years on the throne, a wave of runny noses, sore eyes and sneezing fits are to be expected as the grass pollen season begins, according to new data from the Kleenex Pollen Forecast.
The severity of pollen levels is measured by Pollen Grains Per Cubic Metre (PPM). A reading of 208 PPM and above for tree pollen is considered high and over 61 PPM for grass pollen.
According to research by Kleenex, Edinburgh is set to see grass pollen reach a reading of 79 and 316 for tree pollen.
Hay fever impacts over 33 million adults each year, yet almost 60 per cent of allergy sufferers do not know which pollen they are allergic to.
Although the Met Office predicts Edinburgh to have a low pollen count this weekend, Kleenex is urging Brits to visit its website and take the new allergy quiz to help them better understand their specific allergies and prepare for the weekend ahead.
Jin Zhang, Global Medical Director at Kleenex UK, said: “Kleenex understands how challenging hay fever can be, especially during times of celebration. The findings suggest that hay fever symptoms are continuing to cause Brits discomfort, preventing them from enjoying the great outdoors, and ultimately impacting allergy sufferers daily lives.
"Since our launch last year, we’ve been able to help almost one million allergy sufferers and are determined to help more hay fever sufferers prepare, as well as educate them on their specific pollen allergens through our new allergy quiz.
"With Kleenex Pollen Forecast offering unrivalled insight into local pollen levels, we recommend for anyone who suffers with hay fever, no matter how mild, to check levels daily to ensure they plan ahead and are well prepared to tackle the pollen season no matter where they are.”
For those planning to celebrate outdoors this weekend, Jin Zhang, Global Medical Director at Kleenex UK, shares her top tips so allergy sufferers can feel better prepared and manage their symptoms:
Consider your wardrobe choices
To stop pollen from reaching your face, hair and importantly, eyes, we recommend wearing accessories such as hats and wrap-around sunglasses.
Schedule your daily outings carefully
To help manage symptoms and plan ahead make sure you check the Kleenex Pollen Forecast before leaving the house.
Always have a packet of tissues at hand
We suggest using Kleenex Allergy Comfort Tissues for extra comfort, which are available in on-the-go packs, convenient and perfectly sized for any bag. They have been specifically designed for watery eyes and runny noses so are gentle and ultra-absorbent.
Taking allergy medicines before your outing
Most allergy treatments work best when taken early to prevent your body from releasing histamine and other chemicals that cause your symptoms.
Shower when you return home
When you return home, take a shower as soon as possible as pollen can stay on your skin and hair after you have been outside.
Avoid mowing lawns or raking leaves
If you suffer from a grass pollen allergy you should avoid these tasks and assign them to someone who does not suffer from hay fever.
Rethink your laundry routine
To stop pollen lingering on bedding and clothes, wash your bedding in hot, soapy water once a week and avoid drying your bedding and clothes outside.
