It’s hay fever season and one in four people in Ireland are suffering from the symptoms of the pesky allergy
Abigail Nicholson Content Editor
11:27, 11 May 2026Updated 11:36, 11 May 2026
Hay fever affects a huge number of people in Ireland (stock)(Image: dragana991 via Getty Images)
As moisture levels climb, winds strengthen and plant life springs into bloom, thousands of people across Ireland are starting to fighting hay fever.
The condition comes from an allergic reaction to airborne substances including pollen, dust mites, and mould.
Main triggers for hay fever sufferers include tree, grass, and weed pollen, which feature from late March until September.
Those afflicted frequently feel drained, enduring constant sneezing, blocked noses, itchy or watering eyes, and fatigue.
Over the years, countless people have created “sworn by” household remedies, from applying Vaseline around nostrils to trap pollen, to wearing goggle-style spectacles to stop pollen contacting the eye.
Nevertheless, a registered pharmacist Amir Singh has disclosed one method to tackle hay fever symptoms during May.
On his TikTok profile @amirthepharmacist, he assessed six popular hay fever “tricks” people use to ease symptoms, with one method being quite surprising.
He recommended people should attempt a saline nasal rinse to flush pollen from their nasal passages.
When asked about this method, he scored it as “10 out of 10”.
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A saline nasal rinse works by rinsing away pollen, dust, and other allergens from the nasal cavity, assisting in reducing inflammation and loosening mucus.
Amir also warned people against using Vaseline near their nostrils if they’re smokers, as this method could lead to their nose catching fire. He explained: “Vaseline around the nose 5/10. I mean it might stop some pollen from going up your nose. If you smoke it will maybe make your nose catch fire.”
Amir also advised that when deciding between pricey antihistamines and their more affordable counterparts, people should always choose to keep their money in their pocket.
Amir stated: “They’ll work. Don’t pay for expensive allergy tablets. They’re all the same.”
He further questioned the usefulness of air purifiers and washing off after spending time outdoors in easing hay fever symptoms, giving these methods ratings of three out of 10 and five out of 10 respectively.
When does hay fever season begin?
According to The Met Office, tree pollen is the first to appear between late March and mid-May, affecting roughly 25% of the population. The vast majority of sufferers are allergic to grass pollen, which peaks twice, with the season running from mid-May through to July.
Weed pollen can be released at virtually any time, though the season typically stretches from late June through to September. However, depending on whereabouts you are, the hay fever season will kick off at different times.
Pollen seasons tend to arrive later and last for a shorter period. City dwellers generally experience fewer pollen particles in the air than those living in the countryside, while coastal communities tend to fare better than those further inland.
Grass pollen usually hits its peak during the first two weeks of June, with a second, milder surge occurring in early July before levels begin to tail off.