Early Pollen Spike Spells Annoying News For Hay Fever Sufferers

If you’re constantly sneezing, and your eyes are getting more itchy by the minute, it might well be because hay fever season appears to be arriving earlier than expected (yet again).

New figures from online pharmacy Chemist4U show sales of hay fever treatments are already up 89% compared to this time last year.

Milder winters are causing pollen levels and symptoms to rise earlier in the year – andJason Murphy, head of pharmacy at Chemist4U, has warned that hay fever sufferers shouldn’t wait until symptoms appear before starting treatment. 

The Met Office doesn’t offer its pollen forecast until March, however Kleenex’s pollen forecast suggests tree pollen is currently “moderate” to “high” depending on where in the UK you’re based. 

“We anticipate symptoms to significantly start to rise again from the first week of March, when tree pollen levels typically start to increase,” Murphy added.

The best hay fever treatments depend on your symptoms

One of the biggest issues Murphy sees is people using the wrong treatment for their symptoms. For example, antihistamine tablets such as cetirizine or loratadinework well for sneezing, itching and a runny nose, he explained, but they are usually less effective for nasal congestion.

“A blocked nose is caused by inflammation, so a steroid nasal spray is usually the most effective option, particularly for early-season tree pollen,” he said.

If you struggle with itchy, watery eyes, the expert noted that antihistamine eye drops can be a simple but effective addition to daily tablets – especially during grass pollen season later in spring and summer, when itchy or watery eyes can become a major issue.

“For more severe or persistent symptoms, stronger non-drowsy antihistamines like fexofenadine may be needed,” he added.

Top tips for hay fever prevention

If you’re already struggling with nasal issues and itchiness, now’s the time to act. Here, Murphy has shared his top tips for keeping the worst of hay fever symptoms at bay:

1. Start medication early: begin taking antihistamines or using steroid nasal sprays one to two weeks before symptoms usually appear. The head pharmacist noted that starting the right combination of treatments early, ideally before pollen levels peak, “gives your immune system the best chance to stay calm”.

2. Be consistent: preventative treatments are most effective when taken daily, not just when symptoms flare up.

3. Know your trigger: tree pollen is usually the first to cause problems in March, followed by grass pollen later in spring and summer, then weed pollen towards the end of summer.

4. Reduce exposure: pollen has a tendency to cling to everything, so after being outside, make sure to shower and wash your hair, avoid sitting on sofas or beds with clothes worn outside and avoid drying clothes in your garden.

5. Wear sunglasses outside to help protect your eyes from any airborne pollen, which will help reduce itching and redness.

6. Avoid rolling your windows down when driving as this lets in any airborne pollen. 

7. Make sure to vacuum carpets and any soft furnishings frequently with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter, and wipe surfaces with a damp cloth to prevent pollen circulating in the air. 

8. Consider using an air purifier with a HEPA filter, particularly in bedrooms.

9. Don’t ignore mild symptoms: early signs such as occasional sneezing or itchy eyes can indicate rising pollen. This is the best time to ensure your treatment is in place.

10. Get advice early: if over-the-counter treatments haven’t worked well in the past, speaking to a pharmacist early can help identify stronger or more suitable options.