Hay fever is an allergic reaction that causes sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, and a runny or stuffy nose. It's triggered by pollen and fungal spores in the air.

The NHS says that up to 1 in 5 people get hay fever symptoms when pollen counts are high. Sunny, dry days make pollen worse while rain helps clear the air.

Your body mistakes pollen for a danger and mounts an allergic response to try to flush it out - hence the sneezing, itching, and drippy nose. Though just an overreaction, hay fever can make summers miserable without the right medication.

For many, the symptoms of hay fever are irritating in every sense. Different people react in different ways, but the most common symptoms are:

• Watery or itchy eyes
• Sneezing
• Runny or blocked nose
• Coughing
• Itchy feeling in the throat
• Wheezing

As hay fever is a chronic condition, there is no ‘cure’. In most people the symptoms of hay fever will ease, to some extent, as they get older. In up to 20% of people they can disappear completely.

For mild/moderate cases, no official diagnosis is needed. Over-the-counter medication from your pharmacy is usually enough.

But see a doctor if symptoms are severe or happen year-round. They can do allergy tests to identify the trigger.

Those with eczema, asthma, family history of hay fever, or early smoke exposure are more prone to it.

The right hay fever medication provides relief, so don't hesitate to speak to one of our pharmacists and start your hay fever consultation today.

Antihistamine tablets are most effective when taken before hay fever symptoms start. For seasonal allergies, the best time to take your hay fever tablets is a couple of weeks before pollen levels typically rise in your area.

And how long do antihistamines take to work? Once the sneezing and stuffiness kick in, the tablets work quickly - you'll likely notice relief within an hour or two. However, their effects build up over several days of consistent use.

For long-lasting protection, take your hay fever tablet at the same time each day as directed. Many antihistamines provide 24-hour relief with just one dose.

If symptoms persist, you can safely combine tablets with nasal sprays or eye drops. But check with your pharmacist first, especially if using multiple products or taking other medications.

The key is staying ahead of hay fever by taking antihistamines regularly throughout allergy season. With proper timing and use, tablets can help keep you symptom-free all spring and summer!

While medication provides relief, there are steps you can take to minimise exposure to pollen and other allergens that trigger hay fever:

• Identify the allergen - Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds are common culprits. Notice if symptoms flare up around certain plants/seasons.
• Limit exposure - Avoid going outside when pollen counts are high, especially mornings when levels peak. Check the pollen forecast from the Met Office.
• Clean up - Rinse off pollen sticking to your body/clothes after being outside. Wash bedding frequently to remove allergens.
• Ditch irritants - Steer clear of dust, smoke, and other airway irritants that can worsen hay fever.
• Air it out - Use high-efficiency air purifiers to filter allergens indoors. Avoid outdoor chores that stir up pollen.
• Be prepared - Take once-a-day antihistamine medication consistently throughout allergy season for best prevention.
• Cover up - Wear sunglasses to prevent pollen entering your eyes when outside.
• Give a go to non-medicinal products - You can buy over the counter such as Prevalin Nasal Spray which can be used on its own or with other medicinal hay fever treatments.

Reducing exposure combined with the right medication can help you breathe easier all season long!