Tips to cut down your exposure to pollen

Although there is no cure for hay fever, you can try to limit your exposure to pollen whenever possible.

This can be done to some extent:

• Keep track of the pollen count in your area and try to stay indoors when it's high
• Wear wraparound sunglasses to prevent some of the pollen grains going from the eyes into the nose
• Don't hang washing outside if counts are high as pollen may get trapped in the fibres of clothes and bed linen
• Wash your hands regularly to avoid pollen build up. Take your shoes off before entering the house and shower every evening to get rid of pollen on your clothes and hair
• Keep the windows shut at home when the pollen count is high - usually first thing in the morning and between 5-7pm. Also keep them closed during the night. There is more pollen in the air at night, and people often leave a window open when it is warm
• Keep your car windows closed too, and buy a pollen filter for the car
• Vacuum the house regularly, and wipe surfaces witha damp cloth to remove pollen
• Try to keep pets outdoors, they will have pollen in their fur. If they do come indoors, wash their fur regularly
• Don't allow smoking in your home. Second hand smoke makes symptoms worse
• Ask a good friend to mow the lawn for you!

This article was published on Fri 16 April 2010