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Experts warn of severe hay fever season due to early warm weather

HealthHealth
Key Points
  • Experts warn of a severe hay fever season with earlier and more intense pollen due to warm weather
  • High pollen count driven by tree pollen, affecting millions in the UK
  • Pollen basics: seasonal patterns and main triggers for hay fever

According to Oxford Mail - News, Jason Murphy described that with warmer winter temperatures expected, reaching highs of 17°C, it is likely that we will experience earlier and more intense pollination, accounting for the high pollen forecast. Some experts believe the hay fever season will be more severe than usual, and scientists at the University of Worcester predict higher levels of hay fever.

The high pollen count is likely driven by tree pollen, as it usually peaks in early spring, according to Oxford Mail - News, which Jason Murphy described. With the warmer temperatures appearing earlier this year, the symptoms of tree pollen will be amplified, potentially impacting millions who suffer from hay fever. An estimated 13 million people in the UK suffer from hay fever, and tree pollen affects around 25% of the population, the equivalent of 16.8 million people.

Pollen is present in the air throughout the year, but pollen levels generally rise during warm and windy conditions, usually between March and September.

Jason Murphy, Head of Pharmacy at online pharmacy Chemist4U

Pollen is present in the air throughout the year, but pollen levels generally rise during warm and windy conditions, usually between March and September, according to Oxford Mail - News, which Jason Murphy described. Tree, grass and weed pollen are the main triggers for hay fever, with tree pollen affecting around 25% of the population, the equivalent of 16.8 million people, as described by Jason Murphy to Oxford Mail - News.

Typical hay fever symptoms can include repeated sneezing; a runny or blocked nose; itching in the nose, throat or ears; and watery, red, or itchy eyes, according to Oxford Mail - News, which Jason Murphy described. Tree pollen specifically can also trigger post-nasal drip, which leads to frequent throat clearing, coughing, and a hoarse voice, as described by Jason Murphy to Oxford Mail - News. Those with asthma may also notice a tight chest, wheeze or shortness of breath from hay fever, according to Oxford Mail - News, which Jason Murphy described.

With warmer winter temperatures expected tomorrow, reaching highs of 17°C, it is likely that we will experience earlier and more intense pollination, accounting for the high pollen forecast.

Jason Murphy, Head of Pharmacy at online pharmacy Chemist4U

Freestanding furniture, rather than fitted or made-to-measure, can leave small gaps between units and walls, which makes it easier for dust and pollen to collect, according to Oxford Mail - News, which Natalie Prince described. When cleaning hard-to-reach areas, you should try to use a damp cloth, rather than a dry duster, to trap pollen effectively, as described by Natalie Prince to Oxford Mail - News.

To control the amount of pollen entering your room, consider strategically opening windows during periods of lower pollen concentration, such as in the evening or at night, according to Oxford Mail - News, which Melissa Denham described. According to Oxford Mail - News, Melissa Denham described that when it comes to coping with hay fever, finding the correct balance between welcoming fresh air into your room and limiting pollen exposure can be tricky, and while keeping windows shut is the ideal solution, it can be challenging in warmer weather.

The high pollen count is likely driven by tree pollen, as it usually peaks in early spring.

Jason Murphy, Head of Pharmacy at online pharmacy Chemist4U

Health authorities have not yet issued specific recommendations for the public to prepare for the severe hay fever season, and it is unclear how the predicted pollen levels compare quantitatively to previous years. The exact forecast for pollen levels in different regions of the UK has not been detailed, and it remains unknown what impact the hay fever season will have on healthcare services and absenteeism.

With the warmer temperatures appearing earlier this year, the symptoms of tree pollen will be amplified, potentially impacting millions who suffer from hay fever.

Jason Murphy, Head of Pharmacy at online pharmacy Chemist4U

Tree, grass and weed pollen are the main triggers for hay fever, with tree pollen affecting around 25% of the population, the equivalent of 16.8 million people.

Jason Murphy, Head of Pharmacy at online pharmacy Chemist4U

Typical symptoms can include repeated sneezing; a runny or blocked nose; itching in the nose, throat or ears; and watery, red, or itchy eyes.

Jason Murphy, Head of Pharmacy at online pharmacy Chemist4U

Tree pollen specifically can also trigger post-nasal drip, which leads to frequent throat clearing, coughing, and a hoarse voice.

Jason Murphy, Head of Pharmacy at online pharmacy Chemist4U

Those with asthma may also notice a tight chest, wheeze or shortness of breath, so it’s worth taking symptoms seriously when forecasts flag very high tree pollen levels.

Jason Murphy, Head of Pharmacy at online pharmacy Chemist4U

When it comes to coping with hay fever, finding the correct balance between welcoming fresh air into your room and limiting pollen exposure can be tricky.

Melissa Denham, Interior design expert at Hammonds Furniture

While keeping windows shut is the ideal solution, it can be challenging in warmer weather.

Melissa Denham, Interior design expert at Hammonds Furniture

To control the amount of pollen entering your room, consider strategically opening windows during periods of lower pollen concentration, such as in the evening or at night.

Melissa Denham, Interior design expert at Hammonds Furniture

Freestanding furniture, rather than fitted or made-to-measure, can leave small gaps between units and walls, which makes it easier for dust and pollen to collect.

Natalie Prince, Interiors expert at Sharps

If you have lots of freestanding furniture, it’s important to clean these hard-to-reach areas thoroughly, to stop the dust and pollen from gathering there.

Natalie Prince, Interiors expert at Sharps

But in doing so you should try to use a damp cloth, rather than a dry duster. In doing so, you’ll trap the pollen effectively, instead of unintentionally spre

Natalie Prince, Interiors expert at Sharps
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