Warning issued to asthma and hay fever sufferers as temperatures to hit 22C
Pollen levels in Ireland will be high over the next few days, Met Eireann has warned.
“With dry, settled and increasingly warm temperatures over the next few days the tree pollen risk will rise to high across all regions,” the forecaster said.
However, the grass and weed pollen risk will be low.
This weekend will see spells of sunshine and temperatures ranging from 20C to nearly 22C hit the country. Saturday and Sunday will be fine and dry.
Temperatures will soar to 17C tomorrow and a glorious 22C on Friday.
Asthma and hay fever sufferers are being urged to start taking precautions.
Sarah O’Connor, CEO of the Asthma Society of Ireland said: “People with hayfever really need to start their hayfever management now, especially those with hayfever and asthma. 80pc of people with asthma have hayfever.”
She added: “Hayfever is very misunderstood in Ireland and people often dismiss you as a hypochondriac or simply a complainer when you mention it. As a hayfever sufferer, I can testify that it is a very debilitating condition that leaves you feeling really miserable and unwell.”
“The constant runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing are extremely distracting, and the accompanying headache and fatigue have always really marked out the summer months for me. For me, it felt like a flu all summer long. Hayfever makes it difficult for people to focus, not to mention making people self-conscious when in work or in company.”
Tips to survive hayfever season from the Asthma Society:
• Talk to doctor or pharmacist about taking medication to prevent / reduce symptoms. Don’t wait until you feel unwell.
• Keep windows closed in your bedroom at night
• Keep windows and doors closed when the pollen count is high
• Stay indoors as much as possible on high pollen days
• Stay away from grassy areas, especially when grass is freshly cut
• Put Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen
• Wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes
• Shower, wash your hair and change your clothes if you have been outside for an extended period
• Avoid drying clothes outdoors, or shake them outdoors before bringing them in
• Minimise your contact with pets who have been outdoors and are likely to be carrying pollen
• Consider a purifier with a built-in air quality sensor to remove allergens and pollutants from the air
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