This hay fever season is proving to be especially difficult for those suffering from allergies. After a long period of dry, hot weather, the Met Office warned that grass pollen levels reached ‘very high risk’ status.
Allergy UK’s helpline reflects this trend, having seen a rise in calls that are reporting an impact on mental and physical wellbeing due to sufferers experiencing worse hay fever symptoms than normal.
While lockdown meant many of us stayed indoors this summer, symptoms have still impacted sufferers because pollen can easily be transported into the house through open windows or on clothing and pets.
90% of hay fever sufferers have found their symptoms impact their concentration levels and, with so many of us now working from home for the foreseeable, it’s vital that allergy sufferers can have as comfortable a living place as possible.
To help those house-bound allergy sufferers enjoy their time indoors (even if they’re working!), Allergy UK have put together some top tips to relieve hay fever symptoms inside the house:
1. We’ve had some great weather this summer but do your best to keep your windows shut. If you do feel the need to open a window to cool down, the best time to do so is during the day when the pollen count is lower
2. It’s everyone’s least favourite job, but cleaning the house regularly is one of the best ways to reduce allergens! Get rid of dust mites by washing your bedding weekly and curtains every three months at 60 degrees Celsius. Hoovering can also really help, so make sure to vacuum fabric covered furniture twice a week and use a high efficiency air filter vacuum for the carpets
3. Dust, pollen and pet dander get stuck on your clothes easily, so reduce exposure to them by shutting your wardrobe doors and drying your cleaning indoors
4. Getting rid of pollen from your skin and hair when you’ve been outside is also vital, so take a quick shower when you return home
5. Your pets might not be too happy, but keeping them off soft furnishing and out of the bedroom helps avoid allergic reactions as pet dander carries airborne allergens including pollen
All content and advice is provided on behalf of Allergy UK in partnership with Kleenex®
References:
1. The Sun, ‘Hay fever symptoms spell misery for millions as pollen levels soar – 10 ways to ease your agony’, 1 June 2020
2. Allergy UK, Allergy Awareness Week 2014
