As the spring season rolls around, many people rejoice, and who can blame them? The sun is finally coming out, beautiful flowers are growing, and you finally have the opportunity to get a tan! However, there is one group of people who, instead of rejoicing, are filled with dread: sufferers of hay fever. But don’t despair! There are many different ways to manage this highly annoying allergy, and I can assure you that these tips will help you to have the best spring of your life. 

Hay fever is a common, (very annoying) allergy that causes sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes. It is an allergic reaction to the pollen released from plants during the spring seasons when it comes into contact with your mouth, nose, eyes, and throat. 

Unfortunately, it is incurable, but there are still many things you can do to help alleviate the symptoms, even from home! Here are some easy home remedies that are a necessity when it comes to managing your symptoms. 

  • A cold compress for itchy eyes: use a cloth drenched in cold water and gently press it against your eyes. 
  • Honey and lemon for a cough: not only is this a delicious drink, but it doubles up as a great home remedy for a cough. 
  • Petroleum jelly around you nose: this one may seem slightly weird, but the petroleum jelly is very useful as it traps the pollen and stops it from getting into your nose, which can prevent a blocked nose. 

If your symptoms are particularly bad, you can visit a GP and get a diagnosis for hay fever. With a diagnosis, you can get prescribed antihistamines like fexofenadine, a stronger medication for hay fever. You can also buy over the counter medication for milder hay fever symptoms, for example piriton. 

To finish off this handy hay fever guide, here are some top tips from a fellow hay fever sufferer (me) on how to best look after yourself during this tough time. 

  • Get on top of taking your medicine! If you leave it until your symptoms start, it may be too late for your medicine to work best.
  • Bring medication with you on day trips to keep you feeling well.
  • ALWAYS carry tissues with you! (Very important)

And finally, don’t let it ruin your spring! Keep doing fun activities and the things you enjoy- don’t let your hay fever beat you.