Hayfever: Brits suffering with symptoms earlier than ever according to Boots

Sales of hayfever and allergy products at Boots has seen an increase in February and March to date, compared to the same time last year
Sales data suggests symptoms of hayfever have started earlier this year, with studies also pointing to a longer and more intense hayfever season
Boots Chief Pharmacist Marc Donovan shares his top tips of how to manage hayfever now that the high pollen season is upon us

Sales data from Boots suggests that people are experiencing hayfever symptoms earlier than usual this year – up by almost one third in February and the first two weeks of March 2022 compared to the same period last year.[1]

Hayfever is a common allergy to pollen that occurs mainly in spring and summer and affects 26% of adults and 10-15% of children in the UK. Its symptoms of sneezing, a runny nose and itchy eyes can be significant for many.[2]

Hayfever is usually worse in the UK between late March and September, when it’s warm, windy and humid and the pollen count is at its highest.[3] However, Boots sales data suggests that Brits are experiencing symptoms earlier this year. Furthermore, studies suggest that hayfever seasons elsewhere are starting earlier and becoming more intense as a result of climate change.[4]

Marc Donovan, Chief Pharmacist at Boots, says: “With the hayfever season looking like it is starting earlier than ever before, it’s important to limit your exposure to pollen by keeping windows and doors shut as much as possible, shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to wash pollen off and wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes.

“If you are already experiencing symptoms of hayfever a member of the pharmacy team can provide advice about products or medicines to help treat your specific symptoms. If symptoms persist talk to your Boots pharmacist who will be able to discuss other options which might be more appropriate for you.”

Boots is the UK’s leading health and beauty retailer and offers the largest range of health and wellness products. At over 2,200 stores, Boots pharmacists can recommend the appropriate over-the-counter hayfever remedies for patients, including medicines that can only be bought under the supervision of a pharmacist. People with severe symptoms of hayfever can access advice, and where appropriate, prescription only medicine, through the Boots Online Doctor Hayfever Treatment service.[5]

Popular products at Boots to help relieve or prevent hayfever symptoms include[6]: