SWEET RELIEF
Exact date hay fever sufferers can breathe sigh of relief as pollen levels finally drop
MANY are suffering more than usual this time of year - but hay fever victims have been promised respite might finally be on the way.
Experts have highlighted when pollen levels are likely to plunge - providing sweet relief for all those finding themselves sneezing, sniffling and spluttering with hay fever in recent weeks.
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The Met Office has said the pollen count will go "low" again in some areas as soon as this coming Monday.
There will also be widespread thunderstorms across England and Wales from Sunday onwards, according to forecasters.
Met Office spokesman Ollie Claydon told the : "The pollen levels have been very high, even for Northern England and all of Scotland, which is unusual.
"They will now start to fall for the time being.
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"Pollen levels on Monday will be low for some places, including parts of the north-east of England and north-east of Scotland.
"Today they are very high but they'll fall for a bit thereafter."
Yet sufferers will have to be patient, take precautions and endure a little longer - with Mr Claydon cautioning: ";They will be high on Saturday for most of the country.
"Then we have the weather warning for thunderstorms, and showers tend to reduce the levels as rainfall helps reduce pollen in the air.
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"It is difficult to forecast the exact spots pollen will be at its highest levels and lowest levels, but certainly Monday will be different following the unsettled weather."
Hay fever - whose season tends to run from late March to early September - is thought to affect as many as one in five people.
It is an allergic reaction to pollen, which can be released from a number of natural sources including trees or grass.
Symptoms normally occur when the pollen count is above 50 - with the weather making a crucial difference.
Potential preventative measures include wearing wraparound sunglasses outdoors to prevent pollen from getting in your eyes.
The NHS also recommends showering after being outside to remove any pollen from your body and changing clothes, or try to avoid natural areas when the pollen count is high.
Other tips include putting Vaseline around your nose to trap pollen and avoid hanging clothes out to dry.
And for those whose hay fever triggers asthma, doctors also suggest swapping your pint of beer for a gin and tonic.
For further tips on preventing hay fever, see the website.
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