Six ways to reduce hayfever symptoms according to NHS

Six ways to reduce hayfever symptoms according to NHSAs pollen counts often soar across the UK during summer, hay fever sufferers can find relief using these simple methodsCommentsNewsSophie Buchan Money and Lifestyle Writer01:34, 18 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesVaseline could be the key to a symptom-free day(Image: Getty)Hayfever is a common allergy that leaves countless sufferers sneezing, coughing and rubbing their eyes. There's no cure, but there are some nifty tricks that could spare you from a thoroughly miserable day.‌Hayfever is essentially an allergic reaction to pollen - the fine powder released by plants. It's typically set off when pollen makes contact with the mouth, nose, eyes or throat.‌The NHS says many sufferers find their symptoms tend to be at their worst between late March and September, particularly during warm, humid and breezy conditions. This is the period when the pollen count reaches its peak.‌While there is no cure and it cannot be prevented entirely, there are steps you can take to alleviate your symptoms whenever the pollen count is running high.In one of its tips, the health service urges people to "put petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) around your nostrils to trap pollen". You should also "wear wraparound sunglasses, a mask or a wide-brimmed hat to stop pollen getting into your nose and eyes."View 3 ImagesYou should try and avoid cutting grass or walking on grass(Image: Getty)‌As well as this, the NHS suggests that anyone with hay fever should:Shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to wash pollen offKeep windows and doors shut as much as possibleVacuum regularly and dust with a damp clothTry to use a pollen filter in the air vents of your car, if you have one, and a HEPA filter in your vacuum cleanerYou should not:‌Cut grass or walk on grassSpend too much time outsideKeep fresh flowers in the houseSmoke or be around smoke – it makes your symptoms worseDry clothes outside – they can catch polle...