Hay fever symptoms set to worsen as pollen count in Leeds rises

The pollen count for Monday and Tuesday in Leeds is at 'medium', but that is predicted to rise to 'very high' as temperatures rise this week.

-> These are the best and worst times to go outside if you suffer with hay fever symptoms

The Met Office ranks the pollen count as low, moderate, high and very high.

If you are a hay fever sufferer, it’s more likely that you’ll develop symptoms if you spend time outside in areas of ‘moderate’ pollen levels.

The forecast for this week says: " Very high grass pollen risk during dry, sunny weather. Weed pollen: high risk. Fungal spores: high risk ahead of thunderstorms and during warm, humid weather. Asthma sufferers be prepared."

Daily outlook:

Monday

Pollen count: Medium

Tuesday

Pollen count: Medium

Wednesday

Pollen count: Very High

Thursday

Pollen count: Very High

Friday

Pollen count: Very High

Managing symptoms

Hay fever symptoms are usually worse between late March and September when the weather is warmer, humid and windy, according to the NHS.

While the symptoms are similar to a cold, hay fever can last for weeks and months, with sufferers typically experiencing:

- sneezing and coughing

- a runny or blocked nose

- itchy, red or watery eyes

- itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears

- loss of smell

- pain around your temples and forehead

- headache

- earache

- tiredness

Those who have asthma may also suffer with a tight feeling in their chest, shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing.

There is currently no cure for hay fever, but sufferers can do the following to help ease symptoms when the pollen count is high:

- put Vaseline under your nose to trap pollen

- wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes

- shower and change your clothes after being outdoors

- stay indoors when possible

- keep windows and doors shut as much as possible

- vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth

- buy a pollen filter for the air vents in your car and a vacuum cleaner with a special HEPA filter