Experts say the season for birch pollen, the type that affects people the most, has started in earnest and already reached high levels
Tom Bawden
Science & Environment Correspondent
Pollen levels in London and the South East of England reached “very high” levels on Sunday and Monday and are predicted to continue being very high or high in those regions until at least the end of the week, according to the Met Office.
Experts say the season for birch pollen (the type that affects people the most) has started in earnest and reached high levels in the first week of April.
Levels are so high because the sun has been out in recent days – and it has been warm – while there has been a breeze to move the pollen around.
“So it’s been perfect weather for trees for pollinating, but not so much for hay fever sufferers,” Dr Fiona Symon, experimental officer in respiratory sciences at the University of Leicester, told the BBC.
“The warm weather has influenced the level of pollen released. We’ve seen high to very high levels of birch pollen right from the start of the pollen release rather than a more gentle build-up.
“Hornbeam also reached high levels, which could add to the allergic response to birch as both trees belong to the same family and share similar allergens,” she added.
Nearly half the UK population suffer hay fever symptoms (which is much rarer in children but does affect around 1 in 10), according to research by Allergy UK and Kleenex.
Pollen from trees – birch in particular – comes first, typically running from late March to mid-May and affecting about a quarter of the population.
Grass lasts from mid-May until July, and weed pollen covers the end of June to September, according to the Met Office.
Common hay fever symptoms include sneezing, runny or blocked nose, itchy eyes, mouth and throat. Less common hay fever symptoms are headaches and hives.
Five tips to prevent hay fever symptoms
- Showering and changing clothes after being outdoors – pollen gets everywhere, sticking to clothes and affecting you long after you have retreated inside. After a day outside, jump in the shower, or bath, and change your clothes to prevent transmission.
- Applying petroleum gel just under nose – a little dab before you head out can act as a barrier to prevent pollen particles from entering your nose. Just don’t forget it’s there, as if you’re eating doughnuts (go on, why not?) the sugar will stick to the jelly as well as the pollen powder.
- Wearing wraparound sunglasses – a suitably stylish way of keeping pesky pollen powder out of your eyes. Plus, you’ll look like The Terminator which is cool… if that’s your thing?
- Keep it clean – Regularly wash your hands when out and about to remove pollen, or just give them a quick clean with some allergy comfort wipes.
- Drying your laundry inside – gorgeous weather means drying washing outside – but this leads to pollen using your best jumper as a resting spot. If you suffer from hay fever, it’s better to dry your laundry inside.
