People suffering from hayfever have likely seen their symptoms spiking this week
Samantha Leathers Senior Money & Lifestyle writer
00:36, 12 Apr 2026
Millions of people in the UK suffer from hayfever(Image: GETTY)
Hayfever affects approximately 16 million people across the UK, with many likely experiencing their first seasonal symptoms as the Met Office issued a red alert for nine regions earlier this week, and further pollen peaks are anticipated as the season progresses.
An NHS GP is encouraging hay fever sufferers to incorporate some additional methods into their treatment arsenal this year alongside antihistamines and nasal sprays. Dr Asimah Hanif outlined some unconventional tips and techniques that can help ward off springtime allergens, even when outdoor exposure is unavoidable.
Apply Vaseline around your nostrils
The GP said: “It’s a simple barrier method, but it can be surprisingly effective, especially if you’re heading outside on a high-pollen day. The NHS recommends it for a reason.
“Just apply a small amount to the rim of each nostril before going out, and wipe and reapply when you come back in.”
This fine coating can physically capture pollen and other airborne allergens before they enter your airways and trigger a reaction. Some pharmacies may also stock dedicated allergy barrier balms if Vaseline isn’t your preference.
Quercetin
Red onions, capers, apples and berries are amongst the foods containing high levels of quercetin. This plant flavonoid has been demonstrated to suppress histamine release in your body, which is responsible for hay fever symptoms.
Dr Asimah said: “Quercetin works a bit like a natural antihistamine. It doesn’t act as quickly as medication, and the evidence is stronger in lab settings than in clinical trials, but there’s a real biological reason why people who eat a diet rich in these foods might find their symptoms more manageable. If you’re already reaching for onions and berries regularly, keep it up.”
Steer clear of smoke
Spring heralds the return of barbecues, fire pits and smoking areas, but the doctor urged those suffering from severe hay fever symptoms to avoid these spots. Smoke can aggravate the nasal passages, which can prove particularly unpleasant when combined with pollen irritation.
She warned: “Smoke makes it harder for your airways to cope with pollen. It doesn’t cause hay fever, but it significantly lowers your threshold for symptoms. On high-pollen days especially, it’s worth giving bonfires and barbecues a wide berth.”
Research before you travel
Some hay fever sufferers may consider travelling abroad during hay fever season in an attempt to escape their symptoms, but Dr Asimah, who serves as a medical expert for travel insurance provider Staysure, cautioned that this could actually make matters worse.
Pollen profiles vary considerably between countries, with certain destinations such as Reykjavik boasting low year-round pollen counts, while popular summer hotspots including Madrid, Milan and Zurich experience particularly high levels during the early summer months.
Dr Asimah cautioned: “It’s not just about pollen levels, you’re also being exposed to plant species you’ve never encountered before, so your immune system hasn’t built any tolerance at all.
“Checking pollen forecasts for your destination before you travel is a really sensible step. People are sometimes surprised to find their symptoms are worse on holiday than at home.”
Hay fever, like any medical condition, ought to be disclosed to your travel insurer when venturing abroad, though it’s unlikely to push up costs unless you also suffer from asthma. The doctor said: “If hay fever is affecting your asthma, making symptoms more frequent or harder to control you’ll want to know that you have the back up of you travel insurance just in case.
“Medical travel insurance exists precisely for situations like this, and not declaring the conditions you live with and manage on a daily basis can make an enormous difference if you need medical treatment for a flare-up while you’re away or if something else goes wrong that could be related to one of the conditions.”