Coronavirus facemasks can PREVENT serious bouts of hay fever amid ‘pollen explosion’
FACEMASKS used to protect people against the coronavirus can prevent serious bouts of hay fever, a doctor has claimed.
Hay fever symptoms have been on the rise this year due to a “pollen explosion” caused by an unusually sunny spring that meant pollen was released earlier than usual.
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Dr Glenis Scadding, a consultant physician in allergy and rhinology has now said you may be able to beat the symptoms if you wear a face covering.
Speaking on This Morning yesterday she said the use of a mask or covering could be beneficial to those who suffer from hay fever.
Wearing a face mask or covering will soon be compulsory on public transport and Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield asked Dr Glenis whether or not these could help with hay fever.
Responding she said: "Yes. Wearing a mask helps to reduce pollen coming into your mouth and nose, which is great.
“Adding a pair of wrap around spectacles will keep it out of your eyes.”
The pollen forecast varies depending on what part of the country you are in and today the south of the county will be hit by high pollen levels.
This week experts warned that pollen would flourish over the next few days.
This is while the midlands and north west will have mild pollen and the north and Scotland will have low levels.
Dr Glenis added that some areas of the country do have it worse than others.
“The south gets the pollen first because the climate is warmer and then the pollen gradually moves northwards so that the far north of Scotland is probably about three weeks behind having its main pollen count."
She also said that when the pollen count is high it could trigger first time outbreaks.
“There may be people who have not previously been sensitive enough to notice hay fever who will get it this year.”
Top tips to reduce hay fever symptoms
Hay fever symptoms can be a nightmare for sufferers but there are things you can do to limit your exposure.
1. Use vaseline
Dabbing a little bit of petroleum jelly around the edges of your nose works as a barrier to trap pollen before you breathe it in.
A standard tin of Vaseline will do the trick – just smear a small amount around the edge of your nostrils.
2. Try some nasal spray
If you’re struggling with a blocked, itchy or runny nose, a steroid nasal spray might provide you with some extra relief.
They work by reducing the inflammation inside the nose.
It’s best to try and use them for a week or two before you think your symptoms will start as they can take a few days to work, according to NHS advice.
3. Shower more
Pollen can stick around for a while on your skin even after you've gone back indoors.
If you have been out in the sun all day then it's important to make sure you shower afterwards, this will wash away any of the pollen still attached to your skin and hair.
4. Cut down on booze
Beer, wine and other spirits all contain histamine – the chemical that sets off allergy symptoms in the body.
Sick of fighting against runny eyes? The Met Office recommends sticking to the soft stuff where possible to avoid adding any unnecessary allergy pressure.
5. Take your meds at the right time
It may seem obvious for anyone that an antihistamine will help, but it's actually knowing when to take them that could make the difference.
As well as wearing a mask to help stop symptoms, she added that people who follow a plant based diet may not experience severe symptoms.
"Diet is fascinating because diet alters the bacteria living in your gut, and they in turn could alter the way your body reacts immunologically.
"A diet that is rich in short chain fatty acids promotes good bacteria, and the sorts of things that help that are plant-based foods – fruits, vegetables, and also yogurt and fish."
This year the country has seen a clear strain of hay fever related symptoms and Google searches have revealed that more and more people are looking for ways to treat them.
Earlier this month money.co.uk revealed that searches related to "hay fever relief wipes" had increased by over 10,000 per cent during a seven day period at the end of May.
Between May 25 and June 1, searches for the “best hay fever relief” were up by 450 per cent.
This is while searches for “how to stop hay fever” were up by 300 per cent.
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