The Met Office is advising UK residents to keep their windows shut at night this weekend, as pollen levels are anticipated to rise significantly across the country.

April is a crucial time for those affected by allergies, marking the height of tree pollen season and the onset of grass pollen season. Approximately 16 million individuals in the UK experience hay fever, an allergic reaction often triggered by pollen, dust mites, or mould.

With forecasts indicating elevated pollen levels this weekend, people are encouraged to take preventive measures. Even if you don’t typically suffer from hay fever, symptoms like sneezing, itchy or runny noses, and watery eyes can still occur. Simple precautions can help ensure the well-being of you and your family.

The Met Office specifically suggests, “close windows at night.”

This practice helps to minimize exposure to pollen during its evening drop and keeps allergens from infiltrating your home during peak times. The agency has released several recommendations for UK households to follow over the weekend.

As many will be enjoying the outdoors during the Bank Holiday, it is also recommended to change out of outdoor clothing and wash your hair or shower after being outside to reduce high pollen exposure.

Be sure to avoid drying laundry outdoors, as pollen easily attaches to clothing and can bring it into the house.

According to the Met Office, the best way to treat hay fever involves two stages: defence and relief. The first is preventive treatments, such as taking antihistamine tablets, which work by blocking the action of histamines that cause hay fever symptoms to flare up.

Alternatively, you can use barrier nasal sprays and nasal gels that act directly in the nose and work within minutes by preventing allergens from entering the nasal passage.

The second stage is relief. The Met Office states: “The longer the exposure to the allergen, the more severe the symptoms become. So in the later stages of hay fever, the key is often to manage and minimise the symptoms – enabling you to get back to normal life.

“While antihistamines may be helpful in reducing a runny nose, or sneezing, they are less effective in combatting congestion. However, corticosteroid nasal sprays can help to control a number of different symptoms – from inflammation of the nasal lining and itchy red eyes, to a runny nose, swollen sinuses and sneezing.”

It adds that households should keep up to date with weather and pollen forecasts to be aware of levels.