Millions of people are being told to potentially take a second shower on Thursday, especially if they have left the house, to help with a common health problem. It comes as Brits brace for more pollen spikes across the country later this week as the weather warms up.
With high levels of pollen in the air, people with hay fever will be on alert, as symptoms can persist for days. The latest Met Office forecast blankets red warnings for ‘very high’ levels across most of England and all of Wales – with the full forecast here.
Hay fever affects roughly 16 million people in the UK. It is estimated that around 20% to 26% of adults and 10% to 15% of children suffer from a pollen allergy, making it one of the most common ongoing health conditions in the country.
With conditions set to make millions struggle, the NHS has advice for the nation. One included repeating a daily habit that could help people settle at home without their allergies being triggered.
The NHS says that, although sufferers cannot cure the allergy, there are ways to reduce symptoms. One of those tips was to shower and change clothes if you had been outside on days with high pollen levels.
Rinsing off in the shower washes away the pollen trapped on your skin and scalp before it can trigger an allergic reaction. By changing clothes, you can prevent pollen from becoming trapped on indoor soft surfaces like sofas and carpets, drastically reducing your overall allergen exposure at home.
It’s best to avoid baths, as the water can capture airborne pollen on its surface, potentially redepositing it back onto your skin. Showers also produce steam, which can help to unblock congested nasal passages.
Even if you do not suffer from hay fever yourself, you may live with someone who does. By also following this ‘rule’ of changing and washing, their efforts to avoid pollen will not be spoiled by exposure through clothes and body, which may be carrying particles.
Some people might benefit from antihistamines (available in drops, tablets or nasal sprays) or steroid nasal sprays. See a GP if symptoms are getting worse or if symptoms do not improve after taking medicines from the pharmacy.
What else does the NHS suggest?
The health service has a list of advice on its website about how people can relieve symptoms. It suggests:
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
