Pollen information

Pollen is a fine, powdery substance that's produced by flowering plants as part of their reproductive process. It consists of a plant's male reproductive cells, which can fertilise the female reproductive cells of other plants. Pollen is usually spread by the wind or by insects.

If you have a pollen allergy, otherwise known as hay fever, inhaling pollen can trigger an immune response that causes symptoms like sneezing, congestion and itchy eyes.

A pollen count is a measure of the amount of pollen that's present in the air. It's usually measured in grains of pollen per cubic metre of air, and can be used as an indicator of how severe your hay fever symptoms might be.

If the pollen count is high and you're allergic to pollen, it's best to take precautions like staying indoors and keeping windows closed.

Hay fever season typically starts in March or early April and lasts until September, though it can depend on different factors like the weather conditions and the type of pollen in the air.

It's always a good idea to check the pollen count during hay fever season and follow guidance to manage any hay fever symptoms.

Tree pollen is typically around in early spring, with the peak from late March to mid-May. Tree pollen is released by oak, ash, birch, and maple trees, among others. If you're allergic to tree pollen you may experience hay fever symptoms earlier in the year.

Grass pollen is released in late spring and early summer, with the peak season being from mid-May to the end of July. Grass pollen is released by a variety of grasses including Timothy, Bermuda, and Kentucky Bluegrass.

Over-the-counter remedies from a pharmacy can help relieve symptoms of hay fever. If you have a severe pollen allergy that's affecting your daily life, or over-the-counter medications aren't helping, a GP can provide further care.