The Met Office has issued a warning for high pollen levels across the UK, advising drivers to keep their car windows closed from Wednesday onwards. The advice specifically targets the over 10 million people in the UK who suffer from hay fever, as pollen exposure can exacerbate symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose.
Pollen Forecast for the Week
According to the Met Office's five-day pollen forecast, many regions will experience high to very high pollen levels. On Wednesday, the Midlands, Wales, South West England, and Yorkshire and Humber will see high levels, while London and the South East will face very high levels. By Thursday, high levels will spread to the North of England, and by Friday, the East of England will also reach very high alert status.
Why Keep Windows Closed?
The Met Office recommends driving with windows closed to limit pollen from entering the car and settling on interior surfaces. Pollen easily attaches to clothing and hair, so sufferers are also advised to remove outdoor clothes, shower, and wash hair after being outside during high pollen periods.
Treatment Advice
The Met Office outlines a two-stage approach to managing hay fever: defence and relief. Defence involves preventive treatments like antihistamine tablets that block histamine action. Relief focuses on minimizing symptoms after exposure, as longer exposure leads to more severe reactions.
