With temperatures rising across the North West this week, so are pollen levels. Very warm, hot, dry and sunny weather are perfect conditions for grass pollen production. And the North West is forecast to have very high levels by Friday. “We are seeing the start of the second peak in grass pollen of the season in the North West,” says airborne allergens expert Max Wiseberg. “Pollen counts are already high and very high levels are forecast to return on Friday.”

“The best piece of advice I can give as we enter this peak is – avoid the pollen! Less pollen means less reaction, and for some none at all. So here are 5 easy ways to avoid the pollen.”

“Create a physical barrier to the pollen. Apply an organic, drug-free allergen barrier balm around your nostrils and bones of the eyes. HayMax organic, drug-free allergen barrier balm has been proven to trap over one third of the pollen before it gets in your body [1]. And as it’s drug-free, it’s suitable for children, pregnant and breastfeeding women and whilst driving.”

“Stop pollen getting in your hair and eyes. Wear a hat, cap or other head cover when outdoors to help stop pollen getting caught in your hair. And wraparound sunglasses will help stop it irritating your eyes.”

“Don’t bring pollen home with you. Remove your shoes at the door when you return home. Change your clothes and have a shower to remove pollen from your hair and body. Wash your clothes so you have pollen free clothes next time you go out – and dry them indoors so pollen does not get blown on to them by the outside wind.”

“Keep pollen out of your home. Keep doors and windows shut, particularly early morning and evening when pollen counts are at their highest. Vacuum and damp dust regularly, including fabrics and upholstery, to remove pollen from floors and surfaces. Damp dusting will help prevent pollen being dispersed back into the air. And if you have a pet, keep it clean and well groomed, to remove pollen caught in its fur.”

“Stay indoors when pollen is at its highest. Pollen is at its highest usually in the morning and early evening, rising above head level as the temperature rises then sinking back down as it cools in the evening. So avoid going outdoors if possible at these times.”

“And if this is not quite enough, then there are many medications and natural products available to help with the symptoms. Try my ‘Hay Fever First Aid Kit’ of an organic drug-free allergen barrier balm, one (and only one) antihistamine, one (and only one) steroid nasal spray, eye drops and one or more other natural products. You can find more information in my allergy guides at www.haymax.biz/hay-fever.