All Live95 News


via Getty

With tree pollen currently at peak levels, a Limerick expert says prevention is better than cure.

With April marking the beginning of the peak allergy season in Ireland, a Limerick pharmacist is warning locals that rising tree pollen levels and poor air quality could cause significant discomfort for hay fever sufferers.

Experts are seeing an earlier surge in symptoms this year, leaving many scrambling for relief as counts begin to climb across Limerick.

Speaking to Live 95’s Limerick Today presenter Joe Nash this week, Sheena Mitchell of Wondercare, highlighted that prevention is often more effective than cure when it comes to managing seasonal allergies.

Sheena says that keeping pollen out of the home is the first line of defence for families this spring. “Give the surfaces a bit of a wipe with a damp cloth and use the hoover just to try and stop that pollen coming into your home. Once it’s in there, it’s impossible to escape, so you’re just trying to limit the damage.”

Ms Mitchell explained that the most effective way to manage hay fever is to stop the pollen from entering your living space in the first place. “I recommend keeping your windows closed and not hanging laundry outside,” she advised. “When you come in, just get everyone to maybe have a shower or to change their clothes.”

While lifestyle changes are crucial, the Limerick pharmacist also noted that medication remains a key pillar for those struggling with itchy eyes and sneezing. For those already feeling the effects of the April bloom, she suggests that an antihistamine should be the “basis of all treatment.”

Limerick residents are being encouraged to check daily pollen forecasts and stay indoors during high-count periods where possible.

While these preventative steps are essential, Ms Mitchell stresses that antihistamines remain the most effective medicinal tool to combat the seasonal surge.

Simple tricks like putting Vaseline around your nose or wearing wraparound sunglasses can also significantly reduce your exposure.

For those struggling, new pharmacy services mean you can now get expert assessments and even certain prescriptions directly from your local chemist.

Don’t wait for your hay fever symptoms to get worse; check in with your local pharmacy for tailored advice.