We’ve battled a hard winter full of flu – now be prepared for hay fever! Luckily our client Lunts Pharmacies has top tips.
A Shropshire pharmacist has warned hayfever sufferers to prepare for the warmer weather and shared his top tips to help beat the condition.
Martin Lunt owns branches of Lunts Pharmacy in Shrewsbury, Craven Arms and Pontesbury and sees hundreds of people each year who struggle through the summer.
Hayfever can cause havoc for the estimated one in five suffering with symptoms but Mr Lunt says there are ways to reduce the impact.
“Firstly, it’s important to recognise whether you have a cold or hayfever,” he said.
“It’s a very common condition but there are many people out there who don’t know they have it, the general rule is if you have a sore throat then it’s a cold but if you have itchy eyes, nose and throat then it’s more likely to be hayfever.
“We have had a very harsh winter with the flu, and our pharmacies have administered more flu jabs than any winter before, so the last thing people need is a difficult summer suffering with hayfever too.”
Symptoms are usually worse when the grass pollen count increases, normally starting at some point between May and the middle of July.
The condition is caused when the immune system overreacts to allergens in the air – most people react to grass pollen but tree and weed pollens can also cause problems, normally earlier for trees (February to June) and later for weeds (June to September).
Mr Lunt added: “We often see people taking antihistamines before their symptoms start which can help to reduce the severity. It’s a must to check with a pharmacist before beginning any medication though.
“Other options can include steroid nasal sprays and anti-inflammatory eye drops which are all available from pharmacies.”
Other advice includes changing clothes and showering after being outdoors as pollen sticks to clothing.
The pollen count is higher early in the morning and during the evening so it’s advisable to stay indoors during those times if possible.
Visit https://lunts.net/ to find out more information about your nearest branch of Lunts.
