7 Tips to Help Avoid Hay Fever

Ah, spring … one of the most glorious times of the year when the earth comes to life, the weather warms up and fresh buds bloom. But spring also means unpleasant allergies and hay fever flare ups. Help avoid hay fever with our Pharmacists’ 7 tips.

1. Pollen prediction

Check the pollen forecast daily, and try to avoid heading outside when the pollen count is high. This is usually in the mornings, early evenings, when it’s windy or after a storm. Asthma Australia recommend AirRater and AusPollen as some of the top pollen count apps.

2. Shower time

If you’ve stepped out, there’s a chance you could bring pollen back into the house on your hair or clothing. Shower off after being outdoors, ensuring you give your hair, face and body a good scrub to remove any excess pollen you’ve picked up. Don’t forget to deposit dirty clothes straight in the laundry hamper, and give those a good wash too!
 

3. Laundry day

Avoid hanging sheets on high pollen count days, as they may bring extra pollen into your bedroom or house. If you can’t stand leaving the dirty laundry another day, dry laundry on a clothes airer or in a tumble dryer inside.

4. Pet patrol

They may be cute and cuddly, but pets often carry allergens in their fur that flare-up hay fever. It might help to keep pets outside where possible, or ensure you bathe them weekly if they live inside. Remember to wash hands immediately after petting any animals.

5. Vaseline trap

Dabbing a little bit of Vaseline around your nostrils before you leave the house can work as a barrier balm, catching any pollen before you breathe it in. Yet another reason we love Vaseline!

6. Flower Power

There’s a reason bees love them as much as we do; flowers are full of pollen! For this reason, it’s better not to bring freshly cut bunches of garden flowers inside. Instead, opt for house plants or dried everlasting arrangements of flowers to keep your house bright, and your hay fever at bay!

7. House elf

Regularly vacuuming floors and cloth sofas, mopping floors and wiping surfaces with a damp cloth helps decrease allergens, and keep your house looking sparkly clean!