COVID-19 and hay fever

For the most up to date coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance and information, please visit the NHS or government’s dedicated pages. This advice may differ in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has meant that lots of us have had to get used to being outdoors more.  

If you have allergies, in particular hay fever (a type of allergic rhinitis), it’s important to take precautions to avoid experiencing severe symptoms.

Lockdown restrictions regarding outdoor excursions

The first thing to bear in mind is that anyone spending time outdoors should follow current government guidelines. Please check most up to date restrictions and guidance for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland as they are likely to differ from country to country. 

Tips for people with hay fever

If you have hay fever, you should make sure you are properly prepared to spend time outside. 

If your hay fever is severe, you should get into the habit of checking the pollen count before you leave the house (you can do this at the Met Office website). On days when the pollen count is high or very high, you may want to reconsider leaving the house. However, if you still want to go outside, carry out the steps below to minimise symptoms.

Take preventative medicines such as antihistamines
If you have been prescribed daily preventative medication such as Telfast for your hay fever, make sure you take it as instructed by your doctor.

Carry over-the-counter allergy medication 

You can use these treatments as required, whenever you begin to develop symptoms. If you already use prescription allergy medication, make sure these over-the-counter treatments are safe to use at the same time.

Carry tissues and bottled water
With public toilets still closed, carrying a bottle of water and a pack of tissues will come in handy if you experience symptoms such as coughing and sneezing.

Rub Vaseline around your nostrils

This will trap pollen and prevent it from entering your nose and airways.

Wear wraparound sunglasses

This will help to prevent pollen from getting in your eyes.

Avoid grassy areas

Try not to walk or sit on grassy areas, particularly when the pollen count is at its highest (in the early morning, evening and night).

Avoid smoke

Breathing in smoke can worsen your symptoms.

Take precautions once back inside

When you get home, you should take a shower and wash your clothes to remove any pollen you may have carried inside. On high pollen days when you’re not going outside, keep windows and doors closed and vacuum the house regularly.

How to get your allergy medication

You can easily order antihistamine tablets, eye drops and nasal sprays online, from trusted sources such as LloydsPharmacy.

If you need prescription medication for your hay fever, try contacting your GP via phone or online access.

Alternatively, you can safely order prescription allergy medication from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor. For people with severe hay fever we can prescribe hay fever tablets such as Telfast. 

To order Telfast from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor. You will be asked to fill out a short, confidential medical consultation which one of our clinicians will review. , if they consider the treatment to be safe for you, then your payment will be processed and the treatment will be available for home delivery or click-and-collect at your nearest LloydsPharmacy.

References

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home
www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/
www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/immune-system/hay-fever#preventing-hay-fever