It’s been more than a year since the coronavirus pandemic began and many of us have spent most of our time inside ever since.
So, we’re all pretty excited about hanging out with six friends in the park or our back gardens.
That is, unless you suffer from hay fever.
Doctors have warned that a year of lockdown could make hay fever symptoms much worse this year.
And, people who have never had hay fever could be affected too.
The season for allergies like hay fever runs from March to late September – so make sure you have antihistamines on hand if you’re at risk.
Dr Chris Rutkowski, Consultant Allergist at The Harley Street Clinic, part of HCA Healthcare UK explained: “Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is one of the most common allergies in the UK, affecting around 13 million Brits.
“Hay fever starts early in the year if it is due to tree pollen allergy (February to May) or in summer in patients allergic to grass pollen.
“It can be present all year round if you are allergic to house dust mites or pets.”
The fact that we’ve all been inside for much longer means we haven’t been exposed to as much pollen as usual over the last 12 months.
This means our bodies may be in for a shock when we start going outside again.
Dr Chun Tang, a private GP at Pall Mall Medical told the Metro : ‘Hay fever occurs when an individual is allergic to pollen.
“Pollen is found in the air all year round, but the pollen count is much higher in the warmer months, which is why this time of year is dubbed ‘hay fever season’.”
He added that as pollen is an allergen, the longer we are exposed to it the more of an immunity we build up.
So, out immunity may have plummeted in lockdown.
Some hay fever symptoms also cross over with coronavirus symptoms – so try to be careful who you are around if you feel unwell.
Antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays are safe to use during the pandemic.
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Dr Tang said: “Though there is no treatment for hay fever, there are different ways to manage your symptoms.
“Reducing the amount of time spent outdoors will decrease the amount of pollen the body is exposed to so will naturally alleviate your symptoms.
“Or if you do wish to enjoy the warmer months outdoors, try avoiding sitting directly on grass or beside large plant areas and flowers, as this is where the pollen count is at its highest.”
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