A doctor has issued a warning to hay fever sufferers to stock up on their medications before the first signs of pollen appear.
As the weather begins to warm and spring approaches, those with hay fever and pollen allergies may start to feel apprehensive.
The Met Office predicts the next pollen season will commence in March, but doctors are advising allergy sufferers to begin preparations now to prevent severe symptom outbreaks.
To assist people in preparing, Dr Ruben, a paediatrician and allergist, shared his advice on TikTok ahead of the upcoming pollen season.
“Roses are red, violets are blue, you better start taking your allergy medication soon because pollen is about to mess with you,” the doctor said in his video.
In an earlier post, the allergist noted that tree pollen season can sometimes start as early as February, urging people to stay ahead with their allergy medications to prevent severe symptoms from forming.
He explained that the timing varies worldwide, with some regions experiencing year-round pollen seasons, adding: “In many other places, tree pollen starts to get released as early as February but often times it’s in March.
So you want to make sure that you’re taking your allergy medications a couple weeks earlier, especially if you rely on nasal sprays”.
“If you have seasonal allergies, especially in the spring and you don’t start your medication on time, the medication won’t work quite as effectively because it takes time for these things to work. And there’s more inflammation that the nasal sprays will have to work through to turn down to make you feel better.”
According to the NHS, symptoms of hay fever can include sneezing and coughing, a runny or blocked nose, and itchy, red or watery eyes. These symptoms tend to be more severe between late March and September and can persist for weeks or even months.
Although there is no cure for hay fever, experts recommend consulting with a pharmacist for advice and to find the most suitable treatment. If your symptoms do not improve with treatment or worsen, it’s advised to speak to your GP.