Uk households told to keep windows shut every day this week

UK households are being encouraged to keep their windows shut daily in an effort to protect their children from a summer ailment that could lead to future health issues. Specialists at

Weldricks Pharmacy are advising families to close their windows due to the pollen season already affecting hay fever sufferers. They warn that symptoms of hay fever in infants and young

children could potentially lead to the risk of developing health conditions later in life if not addressed now, reports the Express. Allan Green, a registered pharmacist and hay fever expert

at Weldricks Pharmacy, explains: "Allergy symptoms in babies and young children can often be mistaken for the common cold, but parents and caregivers should be vigilant - especially

during high pollen periods like we are currently experiencing - to spot signs of hayfever. "Babies and young children can't always communicate how they're feeling, so

it's important to keep a close eye on: Sneezing; Itchy or watery eyes; Runny or blocked nose; Sore throat or coughing; General irritability. "Less obvious symptoms, like pressure

around the temples, loss of sense of smell and facial pain from blocked sinuses can also occur. Left untreated, hayfever can worsen over time and, according to NHS guidance, may increase the

risk of developing health conditions such as asthma later in life. As some hayfever symptoms can overlap with asthma symptoms, we urge parents to seek expert healthcare advice if they

notice any changes in their child's symptoms." The pharmacy suggests that alongside affordable hayfever remedies, there are 'simple actions' to mitigate symptoms, such as

keeping windows shut during the day. Allan commented: "There are many affordable hayfever treatment options available for your little ones, including antihistamine (from age 2+), eye

drops and nasal sprays that are suitable for children. "Additionally, simple actions like keeping windows closed during peak pollen times, regularly washing bedding and changing clothes

after being outside can also help reduce their exposure naturally. If you're a worried parent, we recommend keeping a diary of symptoms. This can help you pinpoint exactly which

pollen, as there are many, your children are allergic to and get the correct treatment fast." The Met Office has clarified how various pollen types can impact individuals at different

times throughout the year. Presently, in spring, tree pollen is the predominant hay fever culprit, but come summer, grass pollen will pose a greater issue. It stated: "Depending on the

time of year, the type of pollen in the air will be different. There are around 30 different types of pollen that cause hay fever and it is possible to be allergic to more than one type.

"Most people are allergic to grass pollen, which is common in late spring and early summer. Tree pollen tends to be released during spring and affects around 25% of people. Weed pollen

can be released at any time from the early spring to the late autumn. "Hay fever symptoms usually appear when the pollen count, which is a measure of the number of grains of pollen in

one cubic metre of air, exceeds 50. The weather conditions affect how much pollen is released and spread around. On humid and windy days, pollen spreads easily but on rainy days, pollen can

be cleared from the air. On sunny days, the pollen count is highest in the early evening and that's when you are most likely to suffer from hay fever symptoms." The statement

continued: "While this is how we define a 'High' reading, it's worth noting that different people have different tolerance to different pollen types and counts, so some

will be more sensitive than others."