5 ways to prepare for Hay Fever now so your summer symptoms won’t be as bad

As the summer is fast approaching there is a lot to look forward to as temperatures increase and outside events become more popular. Picnics in the park, pub gardens and sunbathing at every available opportunity are just some of the activities Londoners can look forward too this summer. However, for some that live in London the summer can also mean the start of hay fever symptoms- which have the ability to endanger summer fun.

It is estimated by the Natasha Allergy Foundation that around one in four of us experience hay fever symptoms during the summer months. Luckily, there are ways to treat hay fever and also some steps you can take to relieve symptoms before they already start. Five tips have been given to make hay fever more bearable before it even starts.

One easy tip is to start taking medication for hay fever earlier. Taking medications, such as cetirizine, as early as Spring, can help the body get used to battling symptoms when they first arrive. Lots of hay fever sufferers complain that their medication makes them drowsy, one way to help this is take the medication before bed.

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Eat Honey. One strange way to stop hay fever ruining summer plans is to eat local honey. It contains pollen from the plants in your local area so your body can become used to your allergies before they are airborne. Local honey is recommended but standard honey can also help.

Keep windows shut. Even as the temperatures increase it is recommended that you still keep your windows shut as it becomes warm. This will stop pollen from entering your room at night and can help ease symptoms if there is an unexpectedly high pollen count. This tip is also suggested throughout the summer season.

A shower before bed. It may already be part of your daily routine but if it’s not then taking a shower before bed can reduce the build up of pollen on your body- especially your hair. It is another tip that should be carried out until pollen levels reduce but starting it early can make the habit easier to continue when the pollen count inevitably rises.

Finally, regularly change your sheets. Again, this might sound simple but it keeps pollen that does enter your room at a regular level and helps build a helpful summer habit. With clean sheets there is less pollen for your body to react to overnight- a time when most of us forget about the allergies effects.

For more information on keeping your symptoms at bay you can look at NHS tips here. If after following advice and taking medication your symptoms still persist, it is recommended that you visit the GP.

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