Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen from certain plants and trees. It is one of the most common allergies in the country, and with Spring in full force and Summer just around the corner, it’s about to get more intense.
Unlike last year, the streets will be busier, restaurants more packed, and parks more crowded. If you plan on embracing your newly vaccinated life, don’t let your allergy awareness fall to the wayside!
Taking Action Early
You’re right to be less afraid of hay fever than Covid-19, but it’s still a nasty burden. 32% said their excitement for lockdown lifting was dampened by it coinciding with peak pollen season. Who can blame them? Nobody wants to spend the Summer managing annoying symptoms.
The best way to prevent severe hay fever is to recognise and treat symptoms before they get worse. One solution is to avoid going outside on days of high pollen. Another is to take antihistamines in the morning to lessen the impact of allergens. You may also want to avoid grass pollen, which is especially prevalent in Summer.
Hay Fever’s Deeper Effects
We’ve all had itchy eyes and a runny nose at some point in our lives. But the effects of hay fever extend beyond these surface level effects. Perhaps you relate to these statistics from hay fever sufferers:
- 64% say symptoms affecting their sleep makes them constantly tired
- 46% say symptoms cause concentration issues
- 35% say symptoms affect their productivity
While most people only experience flare-ups during periods of high pollen, it’s worth staying informed about these deeper long-term effects to ensure your Summer isn’t plagued by discomfort.
Covid & Hay Fever
For peace of mind, it’s helpful to know the differences between hay fever and Covid-19. While they share some commonalities, the following symptoms are fairly unique to each condition:
Hay fever
- A runny & itchy nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy & watery eyes
Covid-19
- A high fever
56% of UK hay fever sufferers reported anxiety over the thought of others mistaking their symptoms as Covid-19. This is even more of a reason to get your allergies in check this year.
Almost half of hay fever sufferers say they have never talked to a healthcare professional about their allergies. Don’t let allergies spoil your Summer – get the treatment you need before it’s too late.
If you want to book an appointment with an Imaan Healthcare pharmacy or want more details on the conditions discussed in this blog, please visit our locations page to find your local community pharmacy.