‘Do not go outside’ hay fever warning issued as pollen bomb explodes across UK TODAY – map reveals worst-hit areas
HAY fever sufferers at risk of deadly asthma attacks are being warned to "stay inside" today and over the coming days - as a massive pollen bomb hits the UK.
Warnings for 'very high' pollen levels are in place from today - and into the weekend - with grass season now upon us.
Million Britons are plagued by symptoms of hay fever every summer from itchy eyes, a constant runny nose, headaches to irritating sneezes.
For people with asthma, high pollen levels can be fatal.
“More than three million people with asthma are affected by pollen and when levels are at their highest it can be deadly for those with a lung condition," said Erika Radford from Asthma + Lung UK.
"When pollen particles are breathed in, they can cause inflammation in the airways and get into the lungs, making it harder for those with lung conditions to breathe which can be terrifying," she explained.
Read more on hay fever
However, Erica said there are things people with asthma can do to protect themselves.
“Checking pollen and air pollution forecasts in your local area every day is a good idea, so you can avoid going outdoors as much as possible on high pollen days," she said.
“You should always have your reliever inhaler nearby, even when at home, in case pollen does trigger symptoms like breathlessness or chest tightness.
"Reliever inhalers quickly relax the muscles in the airways to help you breathe more easily when symptoms arise.
“Another thing you can do is to take antihistamine medicines to relieve your hay fever symptoms.
"In addition, your GP can prescribe a steroid nasal spray to help reduce the allergic reaction."
Which areas are worst affected?
The South West, South East - including London - Wales, East of England and East and West Midlands will all be hit by 'very high' levels of pollen as of today, according to the Met Office.
The North West of England, Yorkshire and Northern Ireland will also be affected.
2. Cetirizine Allergy & Hay Fever Tablets
Products containing Cetirizine work to combat allergies without making you feel tired.
comes in at £5.45.
3. Hay Fever Relief Nasal Spray
For over-the-counter relief you could try x 60 Sprays from Superdrug, £8.39.
Or for something on prescription, try
4. Vaseline
Dabbing a little bit of petroleum jelly around the edges of your nose works as a barrier to trap pollen before you breathe it in.
Try branded balms such as. Or petroleum jelly such as does just the same job for only a fraction of the price.
5. The Eye Doctor Allergy Hay Fever Compress
The Eye Doctor Allergy Hay Fever Compress has thermal dynamic fabric, which uses regulated evaporation to cool more rapidly.
It helps to reduce puffiness, swelling, itching, inflammation and even headaches, and comes with an adjustable comfy strap.
You can buy it at .
6. Throat spray
Ultra Chloraseptic Anaesthetic Throat Spray contains the active ingredient benzocaine which belongs to the group of medicines called local anaesthetics.
You can buy Ultra .