Pet owners told to do one thing after walks in spring

Millions of Brits struggle with hay fever every spring with pollen counts soaring, but some may be unintentionally making the situation worse for themselves with three common habits that can intensity symptoms according to one pharmacist.

Hay fever is a common allergic reaction to pollen, a fine powder produced by certain plants that can easily find its way into people’s home, cars and workplaces even when they’re trying to limit their exposure to the allergen. When it comes into contacts with your eyes or airways, it can trigger irritation causing symptoms like sneezing, coughing, runny or blocked noses and red, itchy or watery eyes.

Claire Nevinson, Boots Superintendent Pharmacist explained some common mistakes people may be making that could worsen their hay fever and a few steps to take to ease the symptoms.

Laundry

How you do your laundry could be turning your wardrobe into a pollen magnet. The expert explained: “Your clothes, hair and even your shoes can become unwitting carriers of pollen.

“After spending time outdoors, these items can bring allergens into your home, leading to ongoing exposure, even when you’re inside. Drying laundry outside during high pollen days can also infuse your clean clothes with tiny pollen grains.

“Alternatively try drying laundry indoors during peak pollen days to help minimise the amount of pollen that could fall onto clothes and bedding.”

Pets

Spring time often means more outdoor time for pets and their owners, but this can turn your beloved four-legged family members into unintentional pollen transports. Claire added: “Their fur and paws can unfortunately act like magnets for pollen when they’re outside. As they come back in, they can deposit these allergens throughout the home, potentially triggering unexpected hay fever flare-ups.”

The pharmacist recommended pet owners gently wipe their pet’s fur and paws with a damp cloth when they come back inside the house. Brushing their coats outside and keeping pets out of the bedroom in general can also minimise your exposure to pollen.

Thunderstorms

Many hay fever sufferers breathe a sigh of relief during spring storms, thinking that the wetter, cooler weather will help ease their condition. But letting your guard down during thunderstorms can make the situation worse.

Claire shared: “The intense weather breaks pollen grains into much smaller fragments, which can be more easily inhaled deep into the lungs. This phenomenon, sometimes known as “thunderstorm asthma” can lead to sudden, severe symptoms like wheezing and chest tightness, even for those who usually experience only mild hay fever.

“During a thunderstorm, especially in hay fever season, it’s best to limit your exposure to pollen and stay indoors with windows and doors closed.”

The pharmacist explained some simple tricks for hay fever sufferers to get real relief, starting with keeping windows and doors shut in your home and car to prevent pollen from entering. Showering before bed can help remove pollen you’ve collected during the day and staying hydrated can ease some symptoms.

If the usual tips and tricks don’t work, you may be able to speak to your local pharmacist for advise on products to treat symptoms. If over the counter remedies don’t help, you may need to speak to your GP.