Number of pollens: UK forecasts now reveal a risk of hay fever symptoms – Met Office



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The mild weather during Easter weekend is expected to trigger a high number of pollen in the UK. With about 20% of Britons affected by hay fever, pollen spikes could lead to a lot of runny noses and watering the eyes this weekend. According to the Met Office, almost the entire UK would have a high pollen count on Easter Sunday. This comes after the public was warned of a nationwide "pollen bomb" spreading across the country this festive weekend.

In the UK, "high" levels of pollen are now forecast, according to the pollen forecast of the Met Office.

However, northeastern Scotland is forecast for "average" pollen levels, while for Orkney and Shetland, "low" pollen counts are still expected.

During this part of the year, the pollen that affects hay fever patients comes largely from trees.

But warmer temperatures can lead to an increase in pollen, which eventually leads to unwanted hay fever symptoms.

Charity Allergy UK said: "Warm weather this weekend should cause a surge in pollen numbers, causing problems for people with allergic rhinitis.

«Seasonal allergic rhinitis [more commonly known as hay fever] affects one in five people in the UK and can break out at certain times of the year depending on pollen suspended in the air at this time of the year [including grass, tree and weed pollen], the grass pollen season being the most problematic for the majority.

"In the spring, tree pollen is the main cause of hay fever symptoms.

"The warm temperatures this weekend should lead to an increase in the number of pollen, so people with allergies to pollen may have allergic symptoms.

"The management of hay fever symptoms involves avoiding pollen by reducing exposure and managing symptoms with hay fever treatments and medications based on allergic symptoms and severity."

Easter Monday should show the highest average levels of pollen in the UK.

If you go out during periods when the pollen is rich, it is important to reduce your exposure to the allergen, said Allergy UK.

It is also important to keep your windows closed when you are indoors – especially early in the morning and in the evening when large amounts of pollen are in the air.

In the meantime, avoid drying your clothes on an outdoor clothesline, especially when the pollen count is high.

Putting Vaseline on the nostrils could help trap pollen and prevent symptoms, the NHS said.

Otherwise, wear wraparound sunglasses to prevent pollen from entering your eyes.

To avoid runny nose and itchy eyes, avoid cutting grass or keeping fresh flowers indoors. Smoking or being surrounded by smoke can aggravate the symptoms of hay fever.

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