ALERT: Hay fever sufferers beware, as high pollen on way for June bank holiday weekend

Hay fever is forecast to be high this June bank holiday weekend and while the weather is expected to be fine, Irish people will inevitably adventure out and about. 

With this in mind, hay fever sufferers need to beware, especially those with asthma. Over 450,000 people in Ireland are living with asthma, and 80% of those also experience hay fever. 

Both children and adults are affected by hay fever, with 26% of the Irish population reporting symptoms.

While it is not always feasible to ask children, especially, to avoid freshly cut grass and outdoors in general, other small tips can be taken to not let runny noses or itchy eyes disrupt your our your kids life. 

An example would be to wear wraparound sunglasses, shower and change clothes after being outside or even minimise contact with pets who were outdoors.

Ruth Morrow, respiratory nurse specialist at the Asthma Society, emphasised the importance of proper management techniques, saying: "For individuals impacted by hay fever during sports or outdoor activities, planning ahead is essential.

"This includes taking antihistamines as prescribed, using nasal sprays to alleviate congestion and splashing your eyes with cold water to flush out pollen and soothe them."

Other ways you can manage your hay fever:

• Avoid exercising outside when the pollen count is high, and wear a cycle mask when cycling.  

• Shower, wash your hair and change your clothes if you have been outdoors for an extended period.

• Avoid drying clothes outdoors because pollen spores may cling to them.

• Try to stay away from grassy areas and avoid mowing the lawn, as clouds of pollen can be created.

• Minimise contact with pets that have been outside, as pollen can linger on their fur.

• Keep your car windows closed when driving. Some cars can be fitted with a pollen filter.

• Apply a barrier gel/spray to the nostrils to prevent pollen from settling in the nose.

• Discuss the use of antihistamines and immunotherapy for hay fever with your pharmacist or GP.

For more top tips on managing your hay fever symptoms visit asthma.ie