Hayfever season has started early this year

Here’s how to stay one step ahead.

If you’ve found yourself sneezing, rubbing your eyes or reaching for tissues earlier than usual this year, you’re not alone.

Recent reports suggest that the UK’s hayfever season has started earlier than expected, driven by warmer weather and rising pollen levels across the country.

For many people, this means symptoms are arriving sooner and may last longer, making it more important than ever to take a proactive approach.

At The Hove Practice, we see how much hayfever can impact day-to-day life. While it isn’t dangerous, it can significantly affect sleep, concentration, energy levels and overall wellbeing particularly during busy periods at work or school.

What is hayfever and why does it feel worse this year?

Hayfever (also known as allergic rhinitis) is caused by the immune system reacting to pollen released by trees, grasses and weeds. Typical symptoms include:

• Sneezing and a blocked or runny nose

• Itchy, red or watery eyes

• Irritation in the throat, nose or ears

• Headaches and fatigue

In the UK, hayfever season usually runs from March through to September, but this can shift depending on weather patterns.

This year, a combination of milder winter temperatures and an early warm spell has triggered pollen release sooner, particularly from tree pollen. This means symptoms are starting earlier and, for some, feeling more intense.

Small changes can make a big difference

Reducing your exposure to pollen can significantly ease symptoms. Simple, practical steps often have a noticeable impact, helping to reduce the amount of pollen your body is exposed to. In turn, this can reduce the severity of your symptoms. It’s worth trying:

• Check daily pollen forecasts and limit time outdoors when levels are high

• Keep windows closed, particularly in the early morning and evening

• Shower and change clothes after being outside

• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen

• Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly around the nostrils to trap pollen

Effective treatments and when to start them

For many people, over-the-counter treatments are highly effective — especially when started early. First-line treatments include:

• Non-drowsy antihistamines (eg cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine)
  → Help control sneezing, itching and runny nose

• Steroid nasal sprays (eg fluticasone, mometasone)
  → The most effective treatment for nasal symptoms when used regularly

• Antihistamine eye drops
  → Help relieve itchy, watery eyes

• Additional options
  → Saline nasal rinses to clear allergens
  → Combination therapies or prescription treatments

The key message is simple: start early and stay consistent. Waiting until symptoms are severe can make them harder to control.

When to seek medical advice

While many cases can be managed at home, it’s worth speaking to a GP if any particularly acute or persistent symptoms apply [see list below].ere appropriate your GP will be able to offer a more tailored approach, including prescription treatments; this can make a significant difference if symptoms are persistent or severe.

• Symptoms aren’t controlled with over-the-counter treatments

• Hayfever is affecting your sleep, work or school performance

• You experience wheeze, chest tightness or breathlessness

A proactive plan makes all the difference

One of the most common things we hear from patients is: “It catches me out every year.” With hayfever, a proactive approach is often the most effective. Starting treatment early, understanding your triggers, and having a clear plan in place can transform the season from something you endure into something you manage with confidence.

We’re here to help

If hayfever is affecting your quality of life, or you’d like a more personalised approach to managing your symptoms, we’re here to support you.

Telephone: 01273 733 830
Email: reception@thehovepractice.co.uk
Online www.thehovepractice.co.uk