Millions told to ‘shower and change’ this week in NHS advice | Weather | News
Millions of people are being urged to shower and change their clothes after going out this week as a widespread health issue plagues Britons. Due to high pollen levels in the air, people with hay fever will be alarmed because symptoms can persist for days.
Hay fever affects around 16 million people in the UK. It is estimated that approximately 20% to 26% of adults and 10% to 15% of children suffer from this pollen allergy, making it one of the most common ongoing health conditions in the country.
This week the Met Office is predicting pollen levels will be high in some parts of the UK. With all forecasts, some regions will be under the highest ‘red warning’ from today, June 15 Here.
With conditions that will leave millions struggling, the NHS has issued advice to the nation. One of these involved a daily habit that could help people settle in at home without triggering their allergies.
The NHS also issued a warning online, saying: “High levels of pollen will be expected in some parts of the country in the coming days. Hay fever is a common allergy that causes sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes.”
Although patients can’t cure allergies, there are ways to reduce symptoms, he added. One of these tips was to shower and change your clothes if you are outside on days when pollen levels are high.
Rinsing in the shower removes pollen stuck on your skin and scalp before it triggers an allergic reaction. By changing your clothing, you can prevent pollen from getting trapped on soft indoor surfaces like sofas and carpets, greatly reducing your overall allergen exposure at home.
The NHS website claims that hay fever symptoms are generally worse between late March and September. Hot, humid and windy weather makes problems worse.
The site added: “Unlike the common cold, which usually disappears after one to two weeks, hay fever can last for weeks or months.” If you have hay fever, check with your pharmacist as they can give you advice and suggest the best treatments to help with the symptoms.
Some people may benefit from antihistamines (available as drops, tablets or nasal spray) or steroid nasal sprays. If symptoms worsen or do not improve after buying medicine from the pharmacy, consult a GP.
