This week, pollen counts remain elevated across much of England, with a pharmacist cautioning that two common household items could be acting as “hidden pollen magnets.” An estimated 15 million individuals in the UK grapple with hay fever, experiencing symptoms even within the confines of their homes. Claire Nevinson, a Boots superintendent pharmacist, suggests that your wardrobe might be a surprising culprit.

Nevinson pointed out, “Your clothing, hair, and shoes can inadvertently collect pollen. After spending time outside, these items can transport allergens into your living space, causing continued exposure indoors. Additionally, drying clothes outdoors on high-pollen days can lead to pollen adhering to them. Opting to dry laundry indoors during such times can significantly reduce the pollen settling on clothes and bedding.”

Another concern Nevinson raised involves our cherished pets. When pets brush against outdoor plants, they can collect pollen particles and introduce them into our homes.

Nevinson elaborated, “As a nation, we deeply cherish our pets, but their fur and paws can attract and carry pollen like magnets when they venture outside.”

“Upon returning indoors, they may distribute these allergens throughout your house, potentially triggering unexpected hay fever episodes. For pet owners, small adjustments can have a substantial impact. Using a damp cloth to gently wipe your pet’s fur and paws after outdoor excursions and brushing them regularly outside can help reduce the amount of pollen they bring indoors.”

“For pet owners, a few small changes can make a big difference. Gently wipe your pet’s fur and paws with a damp cloth after they’ve been outside and brush them regularly outdoors to minimise pollen brought into the home.

“Keeping pets out of your bedroom can also help create a more pollen-free sleeping environment.”

Other measures that can help ease symptoms in the home include keeping windows closed, showering before bed and applying petroleum jelly or a specialist balm around the edge of your nostrils to trap pollen.

Staying hydrated can help to keep nasal passages moist and mucus thin, making it easier to clear, and pharmacists can offer advice on products such as antihistamines, eye drops and nasal sprays.

With some parts of England experiencing tumultuous weather, Ms Nevinson also highlighted the “thunderstorm effect”.

She said: “You might think a downpour clears the air, but severe thunderstorms can actually make hay fever worse.

“The intense weather breaks pollen grains into much smaller fragments, which can be more easily inhaled deep into the lungs.

“This phenomenon, sometimes known as ‘thunderstorm asthma’ can lead to sudden, severe symptoms like wheezing and chest tightness, even for those who usually experience only mild hay fever.

“During a thunderstorm, especially in hay fever season, it’s best to limit your exposure to pollen and stay indoors with windows and doors closed.”