Superdrug has reported a 70% year-on-year increase in sales of its own-brand fexofenadine tablets, as soaring temperatures and prolonged high pollen levels leave allergy sufferers battling symptoms later into the season than expected. With much of the UK experiencing repeated heatwaves this summer, and a new June record of 36.4C set on Thursday, pharmacists say many people who would normally expect their hay fever to have eased are continuing to experience persistent sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion and runny noses.
Why Hay Fever Is Worse This Year
Hay fever affects an estimated 10 million people across the UK and is triggered when the immune system overreacts to pollen. Warm, dry and breezy weather creates ideal conditions for pollen to spread, while prolonged periods of sunshine can extend the pollen season and increase exposure. According to pharmacists, prolonged spells of warm weather can intensify hay fever symptoms by extending the pollen season, while dry conditions allow pollen to remain airborne for longer, increasing exposure.
Jamie Archer, own brand director at Superdrug, said: "We've seen a 70% year on year increase in sales of our own brand Fexofenadine tablets, highlighting just how challenging this year's allergy season has been for many customers. The combination of prolonged warm weather and consistently high pollen counts means people are experiencing symptoms for longer than they may expect. Rather than a short seasonal spike, we're seeing customers continue to seek effective relief well into the summer as the heatwave extends allergy season."
Expert Advice on Managing Symptoms
Superdrug said its own-brand tablets had become one of its most popular allergy products, offering fast-acting, non-drowsy relief from common hay fever symptoms, including sneezing, itchy or watery eyes and a blocked or runny nose.
Rachel Jones, pharmacy superintendent at Superdrug, explained: “Many people assume their hay fever will improve as summer goes on, but this is not always the case. If you are allergic to one type of pollen, you may also be sensitive to other seasonal airborne allergens, causing symptoms to continue for several months. Higher temperatures, dry conditions and increased time spent outdoors can all contribute to symptoms feeling worse and lasting beyond what many people consider the ‘normal’ hay fever season.”
Five Ways to Reduce Hay Fever Symptoms During a Heatwave
Keep windows closed during peak pollen hours. Rachel said: "On high pollen days, keeping windows and doors closed where possible can help reduce the amount of pollen entering your home. If you need to cool your home, try opening windows later in the evening when pollen counts are typically lower."
Shower before bed. "Pollen sticks easily to hair and skin throughout the day. Showering before bed and changing into clean clothes can help stop pollen transferring onto your bedding, which may improve overnight symptoms."
Don't dry washing outdoors. "Freshly washed clothes, bedding and towels can act like a magnet for pollen. Drying washing indoors during periods of very high pollen can help reduce the amount of allergens brought back into the home."
Wear wraparound sunglasses. "Sunglasses can help reduce the amount of pollen reaching your eyes, helping to minimise itching, redness and watering while outdoors."
Start treatment before symptoms become severe. "Many people wait until symptoms become unbearable before taking medication. Starting treatment early and taking it consistently during periods of high pollen can often provide better symptom control."
Jamie Archer added: "We know hay fever can have a real impact on people's everyday lives, affecting sleep, concentration and time spent outdoors. Our aim is to make effective allergy relief as accessible and affordable as possible, helping customers manage their symptoms throughout what has been an unusually long allergy season."
