UK households should keep their windows closed this week, a doctor has said. The advice from GP Dr Kafi Osman has been issued according to information from the Met Office.
In the UK, it is estimated that 10 million people suffer from hay fever, an allergic reaction to pollen in which « the immune system releases a substance called histamine, leading to sneezing, a blocked or runny nose, and itchy eyes, » Dr Osman explained to the Express. Despite the allergy affecting only a select number of people, the GP advises everyone to take « precautions » in light of the weather agency’s pollen forecasts.
He told the Express: « You can’t completely prevent hay fever as it’s an allergic response to pollen, but you can reduce symptoms by limiting exposure, especially on high pollen days. »
According to the Met Office‘s forecast, England and Wales will see either high or very high pollen levels on Thursday and Friday. Levels will remain high in Wales and parts of England over the weekend, including the South, East, Midlands, and Yorkshire.
As a result, the doctor says that people should « keep windows closed, especially in the morning and evening when pollen counts peak ».
He added: « Even people who don’t usually suffer can develop mild symptoms when pollen levels are high, so basic precautions are still sensible. »
Of course, people cannot completely avoid the outdoors this week, so for those who are most likely to come into contact with pollen, the doctor advises showering and changing clothes after being outdoors to remove pollen.
Pollen can easily stick to fabric, so it is also recommended to avoid drying clothes outdoors when pollen levels are high.
The UK’s pollen season comes in multiple phases. Tree pollen season typically runs from March to May, with April as the peak, and research indicates that the number of people suffering from hay fever is rising year-on-year.
Taking precautions wherever you can will ensure that you not only protect yourself but also those around you.
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