RAC urges drivers to follow '12-18' rule to reduce hay fever symptoms in car

Hay fever can be a pain at the best of times, but it is even worse when you are driving. A single sneeze or spell of watery, itchy eyes can cause you to lose focus for a second - and that is all it takes to become dangerous on the road. According to RAC Drive , there are some things drivers can do to help, and a simple filter change could be all you need to reduce symptoms while driving. To reduce symptoms while driving, people are urged to consider installing a pollen filter. It explains: "A pollen filter is a type of cabin filter that also traps pollen and other allergens within a vehicle. "In months where there is a high pollen count, it can help drivers with hay fever . It uses an activated carbon layer that can absorb these allergens, as well as odours in the vehicle." RAC notes: "If you need to have your cabin and/or pollen filters replaced, you will need to visit an RAC Approved Garage or somewhere that an experienced mechanic can carry out the work. However, as this is a relatively cheaper repair, drivers can expect to pay up to £60 for parts and labour to get your car ready for the summer months. "This price can vary depending or make, model, and type of vehicle - as well as where in the country the work is being done." If you have a pollen filter, you may want to stick to the 12 - 18 month rule. RAC explains: "Every manufacturer will state within the vehicle owner’s manual when they advise you should change your cabin or pollen filters – although it is advisable to change them every year to 18 months – or every 10-15,000 miles." Motoring experts at Halfords UK also suggest this filter. It writes: "You’ll find the pollen air filter in the engine compartment or cabin, and using an electrostatic paper filter to collect pollen, dirt and debris - prevents them from entering your vehicle. It recommends replacing your pollen air filter once a year - or every 10-15,000 miles too. It adds: "If you park in an area surrounded by trees, or if you live in a heavily polluted area, it’s advised that you replace it more frequently." The NHS explains: "Hay fever is a common allergy that causes sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes. You cannot cure it, but there are things you can do to help your symptoms, or medicines you can take to help." Symptoms of hay fever include: sneezing and coughing a runny or blocked nose itchy, red or watery eyes itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears loss of smell pain around the sides of your head and your forehead headache feeling tired Symptoms are usually worse from late March to September, especially in warm, humid, and windy weather when pollen levels are highest. Hay fever can last for weeks or even months, unlike a cold, which typically clears up within 1 to 2 weeks. You can find out more about Hay fever online through the NHS website here .