It is that time of year where sufferers of hay fever start to consider whether their sniffs and snuffles are the result of a winter cold or the start of hay fever. Hay fever is a seasonal allergy caused by pollen that is released through the spring and summer months. Symptoms often mimic the common cold but sufferers often find it hard to treat and keep on top of. As well as the typical coughs and sneezes hay fever sufferers may also experience a runny or blocked nose, itchy, red, or watery eyes, itchy throat, mouth, nose, and ears, and a loss of smell. Some people also experience pains in their temples or forehead as well as headaches, earaches, and generally feeling tired. For the latest health and Covid news sign up to our newsletter here . READ MORE: The signs of autism in
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cancer that few survive after diagnosis Can you get hay fever in March? According to the Met Office the pollen season runs from March until November in the UK. The Met Office runs a pollen forecast throughout these months. However, as of March 19, the pollen forecast had not yet been activated on the Met Office website with an explainer saying it is because the pollen season is yet to begin. The Met Office says that the pollen season begins in late March, which could explain why some people are starting to experience symptoms as we head into the latter half of the month. The season begins with tree pollen and that specific type of pollen tends to last until around mid-May, according to the Met Office. Around 25% of people are affected by this type of pollen. Then grass pollen begins and lasts until July. Weed pollen is also present at any time but the season typically covers the end of June to September. The Met Office does however say that depending on where you live in the
UK the hay fever season will start at different times. The north of the UK will generally see less pollen, with a later start to the season, and urban areas have lower counts than the countryside. Places inland have higher counts than those around the coast. Support award-winning journalism with WalesOnline’s Premium app on
Apple or
Android . Can hay fever make you cough? The full list of symptoms Coughing is a typical symptom of hay fever. So if you have developed a cough this month it could be a sign that you are already seeing the affects of hay fever this season. The full list of symptoms on the NHS website are as follows: sneezing and coughing a runny or blocked nose itchy, red, or watery eyes itchy throat, mouth, nose, and ears loss of smell pain around your temples and forehead headache earache feeling tired