Hay Fever Sufferers Warned About High Pollen Levels Headed For UK This Weekend

Hay fever sufferers, bad news. We might have been treated to some glorious weather this week, but a high pollen count has come with it - and is set to arrive over the Easter weekend.

Tree pollen readings across the UK are forecast to be particularly high, leading to runny noses, sore eyes and plenty of sneezing for many sufferers this weekend.

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Data from Kleenex's Pollen Forecast has revealed certain areas of the UK are set for higher pollen counts than others.

Pollen levels are measured by Pollen Grains Per Cubic Metre (PPM), with Kleenex explaining a reading of 200-703 for tree pollen is considered high, and anything above 704 very high.

On Good Friday, the following cities are expected to have particularly high pollen counts:

• Belfast: 208 PPM
• Birmingham: 316 PPM
• Bristol: 334 PPM
• Glasgow: 218 PPM
• Leeds: 260 PPM
• Leicester: 349 PPM
• Liverpool: 323 PPM
• London: 350 PPM
• Manchester: 218 PPM
• Nottingham: 361 PPM

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For those suffering with hay fever, Amena Warner, Head of Clinical Services at Allergy UK has shared some handy advice for how people can manage symptoms.

She recommends accessories such as hats and sunglasses - which can stop pollen reaching the face and eyes - meanwhile an allergen balm used at the base of your nostrils and around sunglasses can help create a barrier.

Amena also suggests monitoring pollen levels and scheduling your outings at the time the count is at its lowest. Meanwhile, showering when you get home is always useful.

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It's believed the high pollen count has been triggered by birch and ash pollen which generally peak in April or May. However, they can spike in March if temperatures are high enough.

Amena says: "Despite the expected spike in pollen levels this Good Friday, most hay fever is manageable if you take the necessary steps to prepare yourself, so we're pleased to be working with Kleenex to help sufferers keep track of pollen levels and not get caught out by encouraging them to check The Kleenex Pollen Forecast when leaving the house."

Topics: Weather, UK News, Easter, Health

Lucy Devine

Lucy is a journalist working for Tyla. After graduating with a master's degree in journalism, she has worked in both print and online and is particularly interested in fashion, food, health and women's issues. Northerner, coffee addict, says hun a lot. Get in touch at [email protected].