Hay fever is something that a fair few of us are familiar with. According to the NHS, more than 10 million people have a pollen allergy in the UK. And as many as 1 in 5 of us are suspected to suffer some symptoms at some point in our lives.
But medicines can be expensive, especially when pollen season lasts from around May, right through until September. So how can you protect yourself from hay fever without breaking the bank? Watering eyes and a runny nose aren’t really in fashion this summer, but also when hay fever treatments and remedies can cost up to £4-£5 per packet, you can find yourself at quite a loose end.
6 Budget-Friendly Ways To Beat Hay Fever Symptoms
Upon speaking with Shamir Patel – who’s a registered pharmacist and the founder of the online pharmaceutical company Chemist 4 U – however, it seems there might be a way to quell your symptoms of hay fever All while remaining budget friendly. Allergy sufferers, rejoice. Here are 6 unique ways you can save money while keeping yourself protected this season.
“Of course, without staying inside for the duration of May-September, there is no way to avoid hay fever in its entirety”. Mr Patel explains. “However, there are some things you can do to help avoid hay fever to an extent, which of course might come in handy as pollen counts are set to soar this weekend.”
His advice includes:
Being Consistent With Medication
“Antihistamines are probably the most recommended medicine for treating hay fever allergies amongst other allergies. When they’re taken properly, they’re usually pretty effective in maintaining symptoms. And though they won’t help you avoid hay fever, they’ll help you to avoid the effects of it.”
“Antihistamines can take a few days to start working so it’s a good idea to start using them at least seven days before you expect the pollen season to start and to keep a stock of them too. So that they work properly, you should take one a day in the morning ideally for the duration of the pollen season (which is typically May-September) – so I’d certainly recommend buying your Antihistamines in bulk to both help ensure you have a well-stocked supply while pollen counts are high, and also to save money in the grander scheme of things.”
Buying antihistamines in bulk is a cost-effective way of approaching hay fever if you can’t be without the meds. Buying them online usually brings the price down, and ensuring you’re well stocked for the months ahead means it’s only a one-off payment you need to worry about to keep your symptoms at bay for the duration of spring and summer.
Keep An Eye On Pollen Count And Act Accordingly
“You should also keep an eye on the pollen count, as it can differ from day to day. Most morning news broadcasts on the TV and radio will update you with the weather bulletin, but you can also check pollen count on interactive pollen maps.
“The reason I say to check pollen count is so you know when to take extra precautions,” Shamir adds.
Wash Your Clothes Often
“Hay fever is an allergy to pollen and dust, both of which cling to your clothes. A good way to lessen your chances of being affected by hay fever is ensuring that your clothes are thoroughly washed every day and especially after spending time near pollinated areas.”
Keep Your Home Clean
“Pollen and dust can cling to your home too” Shamir informs us.
“So as well as washing your clothes you should also make an extra effort to clean your home every day. Dusting is essential and washing linen often is also a good idea. It’s likely during the hot weather that you’ll have your windows open to let in the fresh air, but you’ll also likely let in pollen and dust too – so be mindful of that.”
Cleaning is something we all do pretty regularly anyway, so turning it up a notch seems like a small price to pay if it means bidding the hay fever symptoms goodbye.
Use A Sealant Around Your Nose
The thought of wandering around with a coat of Vaseline around your nostrils sounds slightly ludicrous, but actually, it could be the saving grace you needed to hear this year.
“Though it’s not scientifically proven to work, you can use a small amount of Vaseline around your nose to help block pollen from entering your nose. The pollen effectively sticks to the edges of your nostrils and stops you from reacting to it.” Mr Patel explains.
“It sounds bizarre, but if the pollen count is set to be extremely high, it’s well worth a try.”
Stay Indoors Or Away From Pollinated Areas
“And of course, if you want to avoid hay fever it’s a good idea to stay inside where possible during really highly pollen risk days. Or if this isn’t possible, try to stick to built-up areas where it’s harder for pollen to reach.”
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