What is Hay fever?
In the UK, nearly 16 million people experience hay fever, which is around one in four adults and one in 10 children. Unfortunately, those numbers continue to rise each year.
Hay fever is often confused with allergies. However, it is a specific reaction to pollen. Hay fever is prevalent during the spring and early summer months because of the allergens floating in the air, primarily pollen and mould.
Trees and plants create pollen during the growing season of March through June. Hay fever symptoms can spike when extra pollen collides with warmer weather, humid temperatures, and high wind. Changes in the Earth's temperature have lengthened the hay fever season, which can now run from early spring (March) until autumn (September).
Hay fever Symptoms
Hay fever symptoms can stick around for months, unlike other allergies that will go away once the allergen is removed.
This can make it difficult to participate in everyday activities, including going to work. It's challenging to do anything fun when you feel ill all the time. Plus, your co-workers and friends might want to avoid you if they think you could potentially infect them with a virus.
Symptoms of hay fever include:
- Fatigue
- Earache
- Headache
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Runny nose
- Stuffed nose
- Itchy, red, watery eyes
- Itchy mouth, nose, ears, and throat
People who have asthma may experience additional symptoms, including:
- Wheezing when coughing
- A tight feeling in the chest area
- Shortness of breath that doesn't go away
Some people will experience all the symptoms, while others will only recognise a few.
One way is by treating hay fever so your symptoms can be alleviated. Several medications are available by prescription and over the counter to help you manage your symptoms. Some people may need to take multiple medications, such as an antihistamine and a corticosteroid.
In addition, several COVID-19 symptoms aren't present in hay fever, such as a fever, chills, joint pain, and GI issues. Likewise, people with COVID-19 don't experience some hay fever symptoms, such as itchy eyes or a scratchy throat.
Of course, if your employer needs proof that you're suffering from hay fever, not COVID, you can always take a COVID-19 test and show them the negative result.
If you suffer from hay fever, you might be dreading the spring and summer. The good news is that you don't need to. Schedule a private consultation to learn more about which hay fever treatment options are suitable for you.