Met Office issues week-long ‘red alert’ for hay fever
Allergy season has begun across much of the UK after a red hay fever warning was issued.
The Met Office has predicted “very high” levels of pollen in the air that hit England and Wales on Monday and is expected to last until the weekend. Much of Scotland and Northern Ireland are also under alert, with pollen levels expected to decrease later in the week.
Common allergy symptoms include frequent sneezing, runny nose, or itching in the eyes, throat, mouth, or ears. Some people also experience loss of smell, facial pain, sweating, and headaches.
“Hay fever is the most common name for pollen allergy and is most commonly caused by grass pollens, although other pollens can also trigger symptoms. Symptoms occur when the immune system reacts to pollen in the body, producing histamine and other chemicals,” the Met Office said.
The agency predicts birch pollen and ash pollen levels will be very high in southern England all week, as well as in Wales, northern England and Scotland on Tuesday and Wednesday. High levels of plane pollen will also be found in these regions.
Pollen consists of tiny particles released by plants and trees as part of their reproductive cycles. Pollen season in the UK generally runs from March to November.
Around 10 million Britons suffer from hay fever, and it usually develops in childhood, although it can be triggered at any age.
Pollen triggers the immunoglobulin E antibody, which creates mucus and causes symptoms such as congestion and sneezing in people suffering from hay fever.
The Met Office said weather conditions played an important role in pollen production, distribution and spread, with warmer temperatures generally resulting in higher pollen counts.
Temperatures are expected to reach 19°C in parts of the UK on Tuesday and Wednesday, and in London temperatures are expected to reach 24°C, the hottest day of the year so far.
It comes after Storm Dave brought snow, wind and rain to parts of the country over the Easter bank holiday weekend.
