As the hay fever season begins, people who suffer from the allergy are being encouraged to visit their pharmacist, rather than their GP, for help and advice.
You don’t need a prescription for hay fever medication, as they items can be easily purchased at your local pharmacy or supermarket, often much cheaper than the cost of an NHS prescription.
As well as over-the-counter medications, there are a number of ways that you can help protect yourself from the symptoms of hay fever:
- Keep the windows shut in the house and the car especially when pollen counts are high
- Avoid grassy areas and woodlands, or cutting the grass
- Wear wrap-around sunglasses
- After being outdoors wash your hands, face, hair, rinse your eyes and change your clothes to avoid spreading pollen around your home
- If possible stay indoors when the pollen count is high
- Smear a small amount of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, inside your nose to help prevent pollen settling inside your nose
- Don’t dry washing outside to avoid pollen sticking to your clothes
- You could buy a pollen filter for the air vents in the car.
Join the discussion