With record numbers of people experiencing hay fever symptoms this summer, Chris Michael, managing director here at Meaco, shares 5 tips on how to minimise suffering.
This summer has seen reports of many more people suffering with hay fever than in previous years, with weekly visitors to the NHS hay fever advice page tripling over the last five weeks. Climate change, humidity levels and air pollution exacerbate symptoms and this year, pollen counts have remained consistently high and unfortunately for sufferers are set to continue.
One in five people suffer from hay fever symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, congestion, sore eyes and itchy throat, and while there is no cure for the condition there are actions that people can take to ease the misery of hay fever this summer:
- Clean your home regularly
By keeping your home clean you can reduce the levels of pollen, dust or dust mites that can cause an allergic reaction. Dust and dust mites increase the onset of hay fever and similar allergies, so reducing and regularly removing dust all around the house will ease the causes of allergies. - Make the bedroom a pollen free zone
There’s nothing worse than having hay fever affect your sleep. When you go to bed you or your partner might be inadvertently bringing pollen into the bedroom. So, make the room a pollen free sanctuary by keeping the windows shut, removing the clothes you’ve worn that day before you enter and showering.
- Reduce outdoor drying
Although it’s tempting to make the most of warm weather, drying wet washing outdoors when the pollen count is high can increase the amount of pollen in your home. Pollen in the air can stick to your clothes and linens, which will then be carried back indoors.
- Visit your GP and explore medication options
Over the counter remedies are available for children and adults that can help alleviate symptoms. If symptoms are difficult to manage speak to your doctor to see what other options are available. There are a variety of medication options and remedies available and the NHS website is a great place to start.
- Consider an air purifier
Air purifiers with medical grade HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters help keep the air clean by removing allergens. An air purifier traps most bacteria, pathogens, microbial spores and some virus particles, so in addition to improving hay fever symptoms, it aids the overall wellness of those in the home by capturing harmful particles in the air. Using a HEPA air purifier in the bedroom can help hay fever sufferers get a better night’s sleep.
If you’re looking for extra value for money, choose a dual use machine such as a dehumidifier/HEPA air purifier that not only cleanses the air but also helps to prevent damp and dry wet washing.
Products featured:
MeacoClean CA-HEPA 76×5 WiFi Air Purifier | HEPA Filter | Arete® One combined dehumidifier and air purifier with integrated Charcoal and HEPA filters
