medication for pre-existing medical conditions let allergies take the spring out of your step Don’t Spring and summer are the time of year when allergies such as asthma, eczema and hay fever can get much worse, with symptoms including sneezing, coughing, skin rashes and shortness of breath. But no need to get bogged down by runny noses, itchy eyes, irritated skin there’s and tickly throats. Allergy sufferers can prepare for the spring and summer months by getting the medicines they need from their local pharmacist who can also offer expert advice – to help people manage their health during warmer months. If symptoms persist, despite the use of over-the-counter medicines, you should get in touch with your GP who may then offer tests to identify the cause. For more information about hay fever and allergies, visit Hayfever advice not to be sniffed at Hay fever affects around one in four people in the UK with the main triggers being grass and pollen. As the pollen count climbs, hay fever can make everyday life miserable and tiring, with sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose and an itchy throat among the list of symptoms. There are lots of medicines and remedies available from local pharmacies to make life more comfortable and stop the negative effects of pollen overload. Try these top tips to help ease symptoms: mow your lawn when the pollen count is high Don’t Create a barrier by smearing balm on your nostrils or using a nasal spray from your pharmacist. Avoid outside activity when the air is warming up and cooling down, as pollen count is highest. Open bedroom windows at night, but close them in the morning. Dust with a damp or microfibre cloth and vacuum regularly to stop pollen from becoming airborne. Wash your hair pollen can stick to your hair and then transfer to your pillow. – For further advice, NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can also advise where to go if symptoms of stings or allergies become a cause for concern. For more information visit
medication for pre-existing medical conditions Don’t let allergies take the spring out of your step Spring and summer are the time of year when allergies such as asthma, eczema and hay fever can get much worse, with symptoms including sneezing, coughing, skin rashes and shortness of breath. But there’s no need to get bogged down by runny noses, itchy eyes, irritated skin and tickly throats. Allergy sufferers can prepare for the spring and summer months by getting the medicines they need from their local pharmacist – who can also offer expert advice to help people manage their health during warmer months. If symptoms persist, despite the use of over-the-counter medicines, you should get in touch with your GP who may then offer tests to identify the cause. For more information about hay fever and allergies, visit Hayfever advice not to be sniffed at Hay fever affects around one in four people in the UK with the main triggers being grass and pollen. As the pollen count climbs, hay fever can make everyday life miserable and tiring, with sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose and an itchy throat among the list of symptoms. There are lots of medicines and remedies available from local pharmacies to make life more comfortable and stop the negative effects of pollen overload. Try these top tips to help ease symptoms: Don’t mow your lawn when the pollen count is high Create a barrier by smearing balm on your nostrils or using a nasal spray from your pharmacist. Avoid outside activity when the air is warming up and cooling down, as pollen count is highest. Open bedroom windows at night, but close them in the morning. Dust with a damp or microfibre cloth and vacuum regularly to stop pollen from becoming airborne. Wash your hair – pollen can stick to your hair and then transfer to your pillow. For further advice, NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can also advise where to go if symptoms of stings or allergies become a cause for concern. For more information visit
FINAL-NHS-summer-health-toolkit-1.docx