HAY fever season is in full force and many have complained that this year their symptoms have been worse than during previous summers.
From sneezing and coughing to having a runny or blocked nose, itchy eyes and ears, hay fever is know to flare up in the summer months.
The condition, which usually worsens between late March right through to September, is made worse when weather conditions become warmer.
A new map released by the Met Office might explain why some people in Hampshire are suffering from it more than usual this year.
What is Hay Fever?
Hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis, is an allergy caused by pollen grains released during the pollen season which normally runs from March to November in the UK.
Common hay fever symptoms include sneezing, runny or blocked nose, itchy eyes, mouth and throat. Less common hay fever symptoms include headaches and hives.
Hay fever affects almost 10 million people in England, equating to almost one in four adults and one in 10 children.
Why are my symptoms worse this year?
The pollen count in Hampshire is ‘very high’ at the moment due to the warmer weather and it being ‘peak’ season for pollen.
Unfortunately this means that hay fever sufferers in the region are likely to suffer worse symptoms than usual.
For the next five days, the region is set to see some of the highest of pollen levels with conditions.
How long will it last?
Tree pollen occurs first, typically from late March to mid-May, and affects around 25% of people. Most people are allergic to grass pollen, which actually has two peaks, and the season lasts from mid-May until July. Weed pollen can be released at any time but the season typically covers the end of June to September.
The five-day pollen forecast for Hampshire:
Wednesday - Very High
Thursday - Medium
Friday - High
Saturday – Very High
Sunday- Very High
A statement on the Met Office forecast said: "The pollen count monitoring network combines Met Office weather data with expertise from organisations such as the National Pollen and Aerobiological Unit to produce pollen forecasts for 5 days ahead across the whole of the UK."
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