Hay fever seasons

The usual UK hay fever "season" starts around mid-April and lasts until the end of July. People's hay fever symptoms occur at different times of the year, depending on which pollens or spores they are allergic to.

People who are allergic to tree pollens such as Birch, Yew, Hazel or Elm start to experience symptoms in the springtime.

Those allergic to grass pollens are most affected from mid May to the end of July, and people who are allergic to nettle pollen, fungal and mould spores suffer most in autumn.

The hay fever season may vary each year depending on the weather. The start of this year's season has been delayed by a few weeks due to the cold winter and spring.

However, a mild winter and spring can have the opposite effect, and people allergic to birch pollen - who are usually the first to develop symptoms - may start to experience symptoms even earlier.

This article was published on Fri 16 April 2010