Get ahead of allergy season this year with six simple tips

People in Ireland suffering with hay fever have been told how to stay on top of their seasonal allergies to prevent sneezing and itchy eyes.

Wellness experts at Simply Supplements have named six tips for those who suffer with pollen allergies to stay on top of their symptoms this year.

Tips include avoiding going out at peak pollen times at dawn and dusk, and changing clothes once back inside to reduce exposure and lessen symptoms.

Washing pets regularly and keeping windows shut over allergy season will help to ease any itchy eyes and sneezing.

Another way to handle allergy season is to trap out the pollen with vaseline around the nostrils, sunglasses, and air vents in the car.

Wellness expert Samantha Greener from Simply Supplements said:

“Many of us suffer from seasonal allergies as the weather starts to warm up and have to put up with constant sneezing, watery eyes and itchy throats.

“This year, we want to help sufferers to stay on top of their allergies by getting ahead of some of the most common symptoms. There are some easy things you can do to prevent exposure to pollen, therefore lessening your symptoms.

“Plan your dog walks and outdoor activities around the daily pollen count which is usually highest at dawn and dusk. Changing your clothes as soon as you’re back inside and investing in air purifiers can also help to reduce exposure to pollen and dust inside the home.”

Here’s how to keep on top of your hay fever:

1.Trap out pollen

Applying vaseline around your nose can trap the pollen to stop sneezing from hay fever. Another way to block out pollen is to use filters on the air vents of your car and wear wraparound sunglasses to prevent itchy and sore eyes.

2. Keep windows shut

As soon as your hay fever symptoms start, keep the windows and doors around your house closed for as long as possible throughout the day. This will stop the pollen from getting inside your home and affecting you.

3. Time of day

Seasonal allergies from pollen tend to worsen at dawn and dusk. Plan your dog walks, runs and outdoor activities to avoid going out at peak pollen times. Check the pollen count in your local area before heading out.

4. Change your clothes

When your allergy symptoms start to get worse, get into the routine of changing into a new set of clothes once you’re inside. Pollen can stick to your clothing so changing will halt your exposure and stop it from spreading around your house.

5. Wash your pets

It’s important to stop bringing in pollen inside your home - so once your pets have been outside over hay fever season, give them a wash down to help prevent allergies. Give your dogs a regular brush over and bath to help ease any symptoms you have.

6. Air purifier

If symptoms from seasonal allergies like hay fever are particularly bad, investing in an air purifier may be the solution. A HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter will filter out dust and pollen from around your home to provide relief from symptoms.