Pollen allergies – more commonly known as hay fever – are caused when trees and grasses release pollen into the air. Doctors often call hay fever allergic rhinitis. Different plants pollinate at different times of the year, so the months that you get hay fever will depend on what sort of pollen(s) you are allergic to. Typically, people are affected during spring (trees) and summer (grasses). To help keep your hay fever under control, you can:
· check weather reports for the pollen count and stay indoors when it’s high, if possible
· avoid drying clothes and bedding outside when the pollen count is high
· wear wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes
· keep doors and windows shut when possible
· shower and change your clothes after being outside
· avoid grassy areas, such as parks and fields – particularly in the early morning, evening or night, when the pollen count is highest
· if you have a lawn, try asking someone else to cut the grass for you