Usually we hear about the severity of hay fever cases and people suffering with itchy eyes, runny nose, itchy throat and ears, sneezing and sneezing and more sneezing. Those that do not suffer hay fever can’t begin to comprehend the suffering. So what to do? Run to the pharmacy to get anything and everything that’s being marketed this year, eye drops, nasal spray, antihistamines, tissues, paracetamol, cough meds, sunglasses and hat. Next search the web to see what miracle cure other people claim to have found before finally going back to bed and try and sleep through the summer.

We found the first mistake made, was that by the time these symptoms come on, it’s actually too late. Our GP once prescribed eye drops but three years later said we need to start the eyedrops ten days before the hay fever symptoms! Likewise grabbing a jar of honey once the symptoms have already hit is not good. Also eating the whole jar of honey in a few days, whilst generally a nice treat, will not help your hay fever situation.

We have adopted some simple rules over the years that might also help you in the future.

Washing – Leaving your clothes and bed linen outside to dry on a sunny day is great however be mindful that the washing will attract traces of pollen and your face when it hits that pillow at night. Avoid this especially when the forecast is for a high pollen count.

Close windows – Pollen will find a way into your home if you leave windows open, this is more vital with your bedroom window at night time. Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth.

Fires/Smoke – “Smoke gets in your eyes” so the song goes, it also gets in your hair, lungs and nose. Just as smoking is not healthy, home and garden fires should be avoided, it only worsens your symptoms.

Shower – We find showering after you’ve been out for the day or before you go to bed very helpful, washing all that pollen of your body and hair instead of taking it with you to bed. Clothes go straight into the washing basket. Men should also remove facial hair; these are ideal pollen traps.    

Honey – Cheap supermarket honey is labelled as “produced” in the EU but is likely to be from the Far East where bees are bulked out with cheap sugar syrups.  Buy honey produced by independent beekeepers in your local area. The bees collect pollen in your area and is the same pollen you suffer from. 

Prepare - Prepare - Prepare

Get your body to build an immunity to that pollen by starting to take small amounts daily from as early as February for tree pollen sufferers but can be later for grass pollens. The key is start to build that immunity early. NOT WHEN THE SYMTOMS HAVE ALREADY HIT.