If you’ve found yourself sneezing, sniffling or rubbing your eyes more than usual in recent months, you’re not alone. In the UK, so-called ‘pollen bombs’ and ‘pollen tsunamis’ have been making headlines, and it’s not just rural areas bearing the brunt. On TikTok, users have captured clouds of pollen dancing around bustling city streets, too. In this blog, we uncover what’s behind this year’s spike and explore the hayfever relief approaches sufferers are turning to in hopes of taking the edge off their seasonal flare-ups.
According to the Met Office, hayfever – or seasonal allergic rhinitis, to give its medical term – impacts approximately 10 million individuals in the UK. From children and teens to adults, symptoms also include coughing and headaches and, in some cases, can significantly disrupt day-to-day schedules – from work and school to socialising and outdoor sports.
With so many of us experiencing reactions, it’s no surprise that we often sit down and compare notes in an attempt to identify the culprit. But, with roughly 30 various pollen varieties circulating through the air across the year, it’s quite possible to react to more than one type, which may explain why certain individuals feel the effects at different points in the year.
There are three key pollen ‘seasons’ in the UK. Tree pollen is typically the initial one, mainly between late-March and mid-May, and affects about 25% of those living with hayfever. Grass pollen – the most common trigger – ordinarily follows from mid-May to July. Finally, weed pollen can be present from late-June through to September.
While hayfever usually develops during child and teenage years, it’s not always the case. It’s entirely possible to develop effects as an adult, too. If it’s your first experience noticing signs, jot down when they start and hit hardest – it just might better equip you to plan for 2026.
The Real Reason Allergy Season Feels Harsher This Year
In a March press release, the Met Office reported that the earliest indications of pollen were detected as far back as February in parts of the UK, with those sensitive to tree pollen – notably birch – advised of high counts. This early surge was linked to 2024’s warmest meteorological spring and May on record.
Looking forward, forecasts continue to show very high levels of grass and weed pollen, particularly around the South East, in line with various pollens’ cyclical nature.
Top Tips for Hayfever Relief
There’s no cure for hayfever, but there are a few straightforward ways to manage exposure and help reduce discomfort during peak pollen phases:
- Hoover regularly, primarily on high pollen days. Pay close attention to sofas, rugs and curtains where particles can settle into fabric.
- Change your clothes after spending time outdoors and avoid drying laundry outside. Here, pollen can cling to fibres and come back home with you.
- Dab petroleum jelly around your nostrils to contribute to trapping pollen before it enters your nose. This can also help soothe sore, dry skin caused by frequent wiping.
- Limit outdoor hours when counts reach their highest, especially during the early morning and late afternoon when levels tend to climb.
Supplements for Hayfever Relief
Everyday suggestions for reducing exposure aren’t always practical for busy lives. Staying indoors every time a red pollen alert is issued, for example, simply isn’t realistic for those juggling work, school runs and other outdoor-based commitments. As a result, some are trying natural avenues to aid hayfever management routines.
One product that’s gained attention is New Era Combination H Nose & Sinus Health. Used across all three pollen periods, the pleasant-tasting, fast-dissolving tablets contain a blend of three homoeopathically prepared ingredients. They’re designed to be taken throughout the season and can be gradually reduced as symptoms calm and pollen levels ease.
Don’t Let Hayfever Win
By creating your own hayfever management routine, keeping an eye on the pollen forecast, planning accordingly, and exploring supplement options, you can stay one step ahead of allergy season.
If your problems persist, seek medical advice from a professional for further guidance.
