The NHS has issued an alert to hay fever sufferers urging them to "be careful" not to take twice as much medication as they need, as soaring temperatures across the UK raise the pollen count and discomfort levels.
Rise in Webpage Visits
NHS England confirmed visits to its hay fever webpage more than doubled over the past week amid the hotter weather. From June 14-17, there were 12,990 visits to the hay fever page on nhs.uk, compared to 5,632 in the same period the week before, a rise of 131%.
Official Warning
Duncan Burton, chief nursing officer for England, said: "While I’m sure most people are delighted to be enjoying the warmth and sunshine at this time of year, particularly during the World Cup, the warm weather does bring an increase in the pollen count that can cause discomfort for hay fever sufferers."
He added: "Most people will be able to manage their symptoms with medication that is available off the shelf from community pharmacies and supermarkets, and the NHS website has more advice on how to deal with the discomfort. People should be careful not to double dose on medication which might make them drowsy particularly if planning to drive."
Symptoms and Advice
Hay fever symptoms include coughing, sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, and red, itchy, watery eyes. The NHS hay fever page outlines ways people can help themselves, including by remaining indoors, keeping windows shut and coating their nostrils with Vaseline to trap pollen. There is also advice on different treatments available from pharmacists as well as when it is appropriate to seek help from a GP.
Extreme Heat Warning
The alert came as an extreme heat warning was expanded amid a sweltering heatwave which could see highs of a record-breaking 38C. The Met Office said the baking heat could last until at least Thursday, sparking weather warnings, health alerts and concerns for vulnerable people. Forecasters have said there is "growing confidence" this week could break the record for the hottest June temperature of 35.6C set in 1976 in Southampton.
Health Impacts
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned people to expect significant impacts across health and social care services along with a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. On Sunday, an amber extreme heat warning issued by the weather service was expanded to last from Monday until Thursday.
The alert flags potential health impacts for people vulnerable to extreme heat and heat-related issues for the wider population, as well as a possible increase in water safety incidents. Monday and Tuesday’s warning covers most of southern England, central and eastern Wales, and much of the Midlands, while Wednesday and Thursday’s alert also includes parts of Greater Manchester, Yorkshire and Cheshire.
People in the alert area are advised to drink plenty of fluids and keep out of the sun as well as avoiding exercising between 11am and 3pm. Between Bristol and London and south of the M4 are expected to be the hottest areas, with most of England and Wales to see temperatures higher than 30C. Separate amber heat health alerts have been issued by the UKHSA which now cover most of England from Monday morning until Friday night. A UKHSA yellow heat alert is also in place for north-east England during the same period.
