Experts warn hay fever symptoms could spike over next few days

While many people will be looking forward to the warmer weather in the UK, it can be a nightmare for those suffering from hay fever, warns experts.

Rising temperatures may cause tree pollen levels to rise all across the country, especially over the next few days. The Met Office predicts that the first week of spring will see dry, sunny weather with daytime temperatures sitting comfortably in the mid to late teens.

But, it is also believed that climate change may lead to the grass and tree pollen season lasting longer than usual. Furthermore, those who suffer from hay fever believe pollution (64 per cent), rising temperatures (52 per cent) and extreme weather conditions (38 per cent) are the biggest environmental factors impacting their allergies, Wales Online reports.

Read more: Manchester will be hotter than Ibiza and Majorca this week

New research from Kleenex surveyed 2,000 people in the UK with hay fever and discovered that many of their symptoms have gotten worse in the past 12 months. Common symptoms include sneezing (72 per cent), itchy eyes (64 per cent) and a runny nose (48 per cent).

One-third of those in the survey admitted the severity of their allergies made them stay indoors while 12 per cent said they have called in sick to work as a result. The survey also discovered that, on average, increased symptoms for allergy sufferers resulted in a loss of two hours of sleep a night while 33 per cent said they avoid local parks and green spaces.

A quarter even wrongly self-diagnosed their hay fever symptoms for Covid-19. According to the research, more than half (58 per cent) were unaware of what pollen they were allergic to. Only one fifth (20 per cent) recognised their symptoms as hay fever.

Amena Warner, head