Hay fever season has begun; arrange your medication on time
The hay fever season has begun. It is important to get your medication in time, as this is a busy time for pharmacies. Usually people do not ask for medication until the first signs of symptoms. Due to the unusually high temperatures in February and March, birches are already blooming, so you may experience symptoms sooner than expected.
February was the warmest February month on record with an average temperature of 8.2 degrees. March also did well with an average temperature of 9 degrees. This exceptional warmth has caused birches to bloom earlier than normal. Normally, birch flowering does not begin until this month. Among all tree species, birches generally cause the most symptoms in people who are sensitive to pollen.
If you are sensitive to hay fever, there are several measures you can take to protect yourself:
- For example, keep an eye on the pollen forecast or the hay fever alert
- Avoid outdoor activities on days with high pollen concentrations
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes
- Shower and wash your hair after you've been outside to wash away the pollen
- Don'tmow grass
- Let your laundry dry indoors
- Keep windows closed, even at night. Also close car windows to keep pollen out.
- Open windows when it is raining or has just rained.
You can also use an over-the-counter medicine to reduce symptoms:
- Loratadine and cetirizine. These medications work for about 24 hours. Therefore, you usually only need to take them once a day.
- Xylometazoline, oxymetazoline and tramazoline. These are available as nasal sprays or nose drops and only help with a stuffy nose. Use these medicines for a maximum of 7 days in a row.
More to know about hay fever?
Check out the pharmacy topic on our website, visit thuisarts.co.uk and apotheek.co.uk. Or ask us at the pharmacy!