Irish households are being urged to take precautions as pollen levels rise with the start of hay fever season.
The HSE recommends keeping windows and doors closed when the pollen count is high(Image: (Image: Alex Evans))
Households across Ireland are being urged to keep their windows and doors closed during peak daylight hours as hay fever season gets underway.
With meteorological spring now here, pollen levels are beginning to rise – and experts say the worst time of day for sufferers is between 10am and 3pm, particularly on dry or windy days.
Met Eireann has confirmed that tree pollen season has officially started, with alder and yew already releasing “a lot of tree pollen” into the air. Cypress is expected to follow shortly.
While grass, weed and nettle pollen remain low for now, concentrations are expected to build in the coming weeks.
According to the national forecaster’s latest three day outlook, pollen levels are set to be ‘high’ in Leinster and ‘medium’ in Munster, Connacht and Ulster through to the end of the week.
Around one in four people in Ireland suffers from hay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis. Symptoms can include:
Sneezing and coughingA runny or blocked noseItchy, red or watery eyesItchy throat, mouth, nose and earsLoss of smellPain around your temples and foreheadHeadacheEaracheFeeling tired
The HSE explained: “Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen. You will have hay fever symptoms soon after pollen comes into contact with your mouth, nose, eyes and throat. Pollen is a fine powder that comes from plants. The most common sources of pollen are trees, grass and weeds.”
The Irish pollen season typically runs from late March until September and is split into three overlapping phases – tree pollen from March to May, grass pollen from mid May to July and weed pollen from around July to September.
The HSE recommends keeping windows and doors closed when the pollen count is high, while experts also advise limiting exposure during late morning and early afternoon, when pollen counts tend to peak.
Glen Peskett, DIY expert at Saxton Blades, said: “It’s important to get fresh air, and when the weather begins to improve, it’s even more tempting to open your home up to the warmer elements.
“However, during peak pollen times – usually between 10am and 3pm, and on windy days – it’s extremely beneficial to keep your windows and doors shut. This is especially important in bedrooms, where you want to breathe easy at night.”
Symptoms of hay fever can last weeks or months and sometimes even year round. While there’s no cure, there are effective ways to ease the discomfort.
The HSE recommends the following measures to ease hay fever symptoms:
Check the pollen forecast count daily at Met EireannPut Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollenWear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen from getting into your eyesShower and change your clothes after you’ve been outside to wash the pollen offStay indoors or plan indoor activities for children when the pollen count is highKeep windows and doors closed when the pollen count is highDust with a damp clothVacuum oftenBe aware that pets can carry pollen into your house
The HSE also advises avoiding the following:
Do not cut grass or walk on grassDo not keep fresh flowers in the houseDo not smoke or be around smoke – it makes your symptoms worseDo not dry clothes outside – they can trap pollen
If you are struggling with hay fever, talk to a pharmacist, who can recommend the best treatments. Options include antihistamine drops, tablets and nasal sprays which can help reduce symptoms and provide relief.
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