Hay Fever & Allergies

Hay fever occurs because of an allergic reaction to pollen, typically grass pollen, but there are other types like Tree and Weed pollens. When tiny pollen particles come into contact with your mouth, eyes or throat, your body suffers an allergic reaction causing the classic symptoms of hay fever; runny nose, sneezing, lethargy and red watery itchy eyes.

We are often asked, What is the best medicine for hay fever?  This is a tricky question to answer as the answer is different for everyone but stopping hay fever is usually trial and error.  Sometimes an antihistamine alone won't work, but if you add an allergy nasal spray, or eye drops you might find you get better control.  If you are struggling to make your mind up or have questions give one of our team a call.

Want to control your hayfever without medication, then follow these top tips for a more enjoyable Summer:  

1. Avoiding exposure to pollen or the allergen causing your symptoms is the most effective way to control symptoms. However, exposure is sometimes unavoidable
2. If you suffer from hay fever then wearing wraparound sunglasses when outdoors to stop pollen from getting into your eyes
3. Take a shower and change your clothes after being outdoors
4. Apply a small amount of Vaseline to your nostrils, this can trap pollen before it goes up your nose
5. Use a nasal spray containing saline like Sterimar to flush allergens out of the nasal passage
6. Stay indoors when the pollen count is at its highest. Avoid mowing lawns or sitting in fields that have freshly cut grass
7. Try to wash your hands & face regularly during peak times.
8. Avoid exposure to other allergens such as pet fur, sprays or cigarette smoke

For many people, these measures alone are not sufficient and the use of hay fever drugs and corticosteroid nasal sprays are essential.

The good news is we are a fully registered UK pharmacy and we offer both over the counter and prescription-strength allergy medications that could help you to dramatically improve your allergy symptoms. Try our simple online consultation today.

There are many different types of pollen, therefore depending on what type of pollen you are allergic to will depend on what time of year your symptoms will occur. Different trees and plants produce pollen at different times of the year, in the UK the pollen count season is separated into 3 seasons:

Tree Pollen – late March - mid-May
Grass Pollen – mid-May - July
Weed Pollen – June – September

If you have any more questions on hay fever or allergies, speak to our pharmacist for more advice.

Don't forget, we sell a range of over-the-counter hay fever and allergy medicines ranging from tablets and liquids to nasal sprays!