If the UK’s hot temperatures aren’t making you miserable, the pollen count could be, as hay fever sufferers seek relief from flowing noses and stinging eyes.
Hay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction to pollen, which can be triggered by pollen from trees, flowers, or even grass.
Grass pollen is regarded to be one of the biggest offenders for hay fever patients, impacting the greatest number of people.
It stands to reason that most hay fever sufferers will be looking forward to the end of grass pollen season so they may stop taking antihistamines and clear their tissues mountains.
Here’s what you should know.
When does grass pollen season end?
We are only at the beginning of grass pollen season, which is bad news for hay fever sufferers.
Each year, the season begins in mid-May and lasts until late July, according to the Met Office.
‘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,’ a spokesperson said.
‘Weed pollen can be released at any time but the season typically covers the end of June to September.’
They went on to note that where you reside in the UK affects these cycles, causing the hay fever season to begin and end at different times.
‘For example, there’s a later start and shorter season in the north of the UK, where generally there is less pollen. Urban areas have lower counts than the countryside, and places inland have higher counts than around the coast,’ they continued.
‘If we look at grass pollen, the peak across England and Wales, for example, usually starts in the first two weeks of June. There are two peaks though, with the second, lower peak occurring in the first two weeks of July, after which things tail off slowly.’
This suggests that a little respite is possible as we near the end of June, allowing hay fever patients plenty of time to stock up on treatments before the second July peak.
Over-the-counter sprays and ointments are available, as well as Met Office advise such as removing outdoor gear and cleaning after being outside to minimise your exposure, and following the weather forecast to plan activities.