Warmer days, greener grass and leafy trees are all signs that summer is just around the corner – and a cue many of us take to start making ‘alfresco’ plans. This year, get ahead of the pollen season before it hits so that you are ready to enjoy all that summer has to offer.
Do not wish for rain – prepare early
Whether you are a seasoned sneezer or an itchy eyed weeper, the weather may affect your hayfever symptoms. The pollen count is usually higher on sunny days – particularly if it follows days of cloud – as the pollen builds up in the flowers and is only released during full sunshine. Rain on the other hand, can bring relief for some people as it washes the pollen from the air. But there is no need to wish for rain to avoid your symptoms this summer as preparing early makes all the difference.
Angela Chalmers, Boots UK Pharmacist explains: “Many people with hayfever wait until their symptoms strike before they take action, but the earlier you prepare, the better. Here are some things you can do ahead of time:
- Speak to your pharmacist now so they can determine the right treatment for your personal symptoms so you can put an effective routine in place before the pollen count rises.
- Nasal sprays should be used throughout the season for them to work effectively, not just when your nose starts twitching!
- Some eye drops can be used ahead of time to help reduce symptoms, so it is never too early to start a protection routine.
- Remember that your sunglasses can help too so include them in your prevention plans – they act as physical guard against pollen exposure around the sensitive eye area and are an easy way to stay protected on the school run or commute.”
Make sure you are ready for hayfever season with the Boots Hayfever Care Kit (£11.99 from 1 April to 26 May) 2015. The kit contains Boots Pharmaceuticals One-a-Day Allergy Relief (10mg), Boots Pharmaceuticals Allergy Relief Eye Drops and Boots Pharmaceuticals Allergy Barrier Nasal Spray – so that you can help protect, treat and relieve your symptoms all through the summer.
Do not miss out – treat it and beat it
Understanding when you are most affected by hayfever will help you know the most effective way to help you stay sniffle free. For example, research shows that 50% of people with hayfever report it affects their sleep which could be due to pollen showers – where pollen falls with the cooling air at the end of a hot day or during the night. Research also suggests that children with hayfever are 40% more likely to drop a GCSE grade. But with the right treatment, people with hayfever can help to enjoy a hassle-free summer.
Angela Chalmers, Boots UK Pharmacist: “It is a mistake to think that there is a one size fits all way to treat hayfever – everyone experiences it differently so it is important to have a conversation with your pharmacist who can tell you the best treatment options for you and your family. A non-drowsy treatment is better for a child during exam season for example - like a nasal spray – but your pharmacist will be able to advise what else is suitable depending on your child’s age. It could be that eye drops before school suit your morning routine, but they are tricky for children to self-administer, so packing a soothing eye spray for your child to use just before they head into a lesson or exam could be a good option. If your sleep is affected, you could consider a sedating antihistamine which will work to keep symptoms at bay throughout the night – but check with your pharmacist to make sure it is suitable to use with other medication you may be taking”.
Keep your asthma in check
Around 80% of people with asthma are also affected by hayfever and as hayfever can aggravate asthma it is important to take steps to manage symptoms throughout the warmer months. Speak to your Boots pharmacist to help you control the seasonal impact of asthma, or book a free Medicines Check Up* to help make sure you are getting the best from your medicines. For example, your pharmacist can help you with inhaler technique.
Prepare for pollen with the Boots Pharmaceuticals One-a-Day Allergy Relief Tablets (10mg, £7.69, 30 day supply) to relieve symptoms such as sneezing, running nose, burning and itchy eyes throughout the season. (Contains Loratadine. Always read the label).
Boots Pharmaceuticals Allergy Relief Eye Drops (10ml, £5.39) are suitable for both adults and children to soothe itchy eyes. You should start using the drops one week before you expect symptoms to occur to help reduce them. (Contains Sodium Cromoglicate. Always read the label).
Boots Pharmaceuticals Allergy Barrier Nasal Spray (£8.99) is a clinically proven, non-drowsy nasal powder spray that delivers fast, effective protection against hayfever and other airborne allergens. Suitable for adults including pregnant women and children over 18 months old.
Boots Pharmaceuticals Irritated Eyes Eye Mist (10ml, £11.99) contains clinically proven ingredients to soothe and provide long lasting relief to irritated eyes associated with allergies such as hayfever, dust, pollution, air conditioning, smoke and bright light.
Prepare for hayfever this summer with relief from just 99p. You can also enjoy Buy One Get Second Half Price on hayfever, first aid, eye drops, eye mists and footcare.
- ENDS -
*England and Wales only. Subject to eligibility criteria
For further information, samples, images or additional quotes from Boots pharmacist Angela Chalmers, please contact the Boots UK press office: 020 7025 6657 / bootssummerteam@redconsultancy.com
About Boots UK
Boots UK (boots.com), the UK’s leading pharmacy-led health and beauty retailer, is part of the Retail Pharmacy International Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. With 2,511* stores in the UK, Boots UK is committed to providing exceptional customer and patient care, be the first choice for pharmacy and healthcare and offer innovative 'only at Boots' exclusive products such as the UK’s leading skincare brand No7, all delivered with the great value customers love. Created over 165 years ago, the Boots brand is still at the heart of the communities it serves.
*As at 31 May 2015 excluding equity method investments.
[1] http://www.allergyuk.net/oneairway/files/assets/common/downloads/One%20Airway%20One%20Disease%20Report.pdf
[1] http://www.allergyuk.net/oneairway/files/assets/common/downloads/One%20Airway%20One%20Disease%20Report.pdf
[1] http://www.allergyuk.net/oneairway/files/assets/common/downloads/One%20Airway%20One%20Disease%20Report.pdf