Hayfever sufferers have said that 2024 has seen the season start earlier than ever with noses streaming and eyes sore. According to experts it’s the early spring starting off the tree pollen season - and people can also see flowers blooming in the warm weather . People have taken to
Social Media to complain, with Zoe saying on X: “Kept waking through the early hours thinking I have a cold coming. Then woke myself itching my face. So it begins ……… #HAYFEVER.” Catherine Booth added: “Anybody else feeling the hayfever love yet!?” Miss_Golightly said: “Does anyone else have random hayfever symptoms already in the UK- it seems too early and yet I’ve got them.” L.i.am said: “Has anyone else had hayfever rock up uninvited in the last 24 hours?” Government scientists have confirmed the reasons they believe that the pollen count is so high as experts also gave some tips to try to make your house hayfever proof. The
UK Health Security Agency i n a new blog post said: “Recent studies suggest that some types of pollen and other allergens could be released earlier in the year and for longer durations as temperatures rise. For some types of pollen, this may mean levels high enough to trigger hay fever as early in the year as January or February.” The UKHSA said pollen season in the UK has traditionally had 3 distinct but overlapping phases: From about March until May, the blossoming of trees such as hazel and birch creates the first wave of symptoms for some pollen allergy sufferers. From May until July grass pollen forms the bulk of the UK’s pollen load. Weed pollen (such as dock and mugwort) starts to occur from June and can last well into the autumn. Research suggests that with increasing temperatures, oak and grass pollen seasons may start even earlier, meaning that some allergy sufferers could begin to experience hay fever and other reactions as early as January/February. It added: “Longer and more intense pollen seasons are something that we are beginning to experience in the UK. So, if you find yourself sniffling and rubbing your eyes in February, your symptoms could very well be caused by hay fever.” The tree-pollen season is said to now be in full swing which then goes to the grass-pollen season from mid-May and the weed-pollen season gains momentum from the end of June. Here, experts share their top tips for pollen-proofing your surroundings: Create a pollen-free zone “Transforming your home into a pollen-free safe place is not just about cleanliness; it’s about creating a lifestyle that prioritises your wellbeing, especially during peak allergy seasons,” says Alex Gluhovsky, spokesperson at iWardrobes. With over half of hay fever sufferers stating the allergy disrupts their sleep, your bedroom should be free from the intrusion of pollen, advises Gluhovsky. “So begin by keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons to prevent allergens from drifting indoors.” Enhancing your sleep environment further by adorning your windows with blackout curtains, not only creates a cosy ambience, but also acts as a barrier against pollen infiltration, he says. “Invest in hypoallergenic bedding to experience luxurious sleep while minimising exposure to allergens – bedding made from materials like organic cotton or bamboo are gentle on the skin and are naturally resistant to allergens.” Opt for allergy-friendly materials in home furnishings Gluhovsky says that opting for allergy-friendly materials such as leather, vinyl and hardwood for furniture and flooring will reduce pollen retention, compared to fabric and carpets. “Choose washable curtains and blinds for easy pollen removal and maintenance,” he continues. “These simple choices not only enhance your home’s style but also promote a healthier living environment.” Alex Williams, from Tiger Cleaning, agrees: “Pollen can make its way into your home and nestle into the fibres of your carpet. Although hoovering will help, one of the best ways to reduce pollen in your home is to install hard flooring. You can keep hard floors clean with a damp mop, meaning that pollen particles aren’t floating around in the air.” Strategic indoor greenery placement “While indoor plants can enhance the aesthetics of your home, certain species can exacerbate pollen allergies,” notes Gluhovsky. “Some plants release high volumes of pollen into the air, which can contribute to allergies and respiratory issues for hay fever sufferers.” Think low-pollen indoor plants such as ferns, palms and orchids, as they produce minimal amounts of pollen compared to others, suggests Gluhovsky. “Additionally, strategically place these plants away from windows and doorways to minimise pollen intrusion.” Know when to air your home “If you don’t know exactly what type of pollen you are allergic to, it can be difficult to know what time your allergens are the highest; however most flowers pollinate in the morning, between 5am and 9am,” advises Williams. It’s recommended to keep your windows closed at these times and rely on ventilation to keep the temperature down, says Williams. “If needed, you can open your windows towards the end of the day to let air in, which is when there is less pollen circulating in the air.” If you’re still suffering, he says it’s worth consulting a gardener about the specific plants in your garden or street, as they can advise on their pollination timings so you know when to keep your windows closed. Invest in air conditioning or air purifiers Air conditioning comes in handy not just for keeping cool in the summer, but also when it comes to hay fever…“Rather than cooling your home by opening all your doors and windows, using air con means the air coming into your home is filtered from pollen particles, helping you breathe easier throughout hay fever season,” says Williams. Depending on your budget, Williams says air purifiers work by taking the air from your home, filtering it and removing the pollen particles, and pumping out clean air. Keep your home as clean as possible Everyday cleaning jobs to keep on top of include hoovering, carpet cleaning, cleaning windows and seals, cleaning hard floors and dusting regularly, suggests Williams. “Changing the way you dust and using a damp cloth instead of a feather duster will help collect more of the dirt and pollen – and stop this from filtering through the air. “When dusting, start from the top and work your way down so any dust that hasn’t been picked up yet falls on unclean surfaces. “For the best results to pollen-proof your home, it’s worth combining solutions to help keep the sneezes at bay!” adds Williams.