Hay Fever Facts

The pollen season is variable, and can extend from just after Christmas right round to the autumn, as shown below:

• Tree pollen: typically between January and June, with the worst month being April. Silver birch pollen is usually around in March and April.
• Grass pollen: typically from May through to September, with the highest levels on warm, sunny days in June and July.
• Rapeseed pollen: typically from mid-April to June. There is some dispute as to whether this is real or due to the simultaneous end of the birch pollen season and the start of the grass pollen season; however, it is also known that rapeseed releases volatile oils which can affect the airways.

An early mild spring can mean an earlier start to the season, and more pollen is released in windy weather.

Flowers are rarely a problem since because they are mostly pollinated by insects.

Fresh pollen in contact with water (or moisture in nasal passages or eyes) leaks allergen granules. Rain washes pollen out of the air but also releases allergen granules.

Wine can make hay fever worse, as it contains histamine.