Hayfever is a pain in the bum to have but it needn't make summer a misery: Here are nine ways to stop the onset of hay fever problems.
You can obviously get the various tablets, sprays, eye drops and antihistamines from a chemist, but here's how to try and combat hay fever without medication.
Water and honey
Water mixed with a teaspoon of honey is said to provide a natural way of combating hayfever symptoms. Other food stuffs that can help include anything with Vitamin C (e.g. oranges), Carrots, Garlic and onions.
Use vaseline
A thin layer of Vaseline just inside the nostrils and under your nose can reduce hay fever problems by blocking pollen.
Don't drink
Bad news: Alcohol worsens hay fever. Alcoholic drinks can sent off allergy symptoms thanks to the histamine they contain, as well as their dehydrating effect. Stick with water.
Exercise
Exercise can help reduce hayfever issues so there's another reason to get active.
Wash your hair
If you've long hair then this is an especially good tip: If you've been out and about then washing your hair in the evening will get rid of any pollen. And in general, just have a good wash for the same reason.
Go to the seaside
The closer to the coast the less the pollen levels are, so it's a great place to enjoy a day out without fear of symptoms!
Head north
Similarly, the further north you go the more pollen levels will, in general, decrease.
Stop and avoid smokers
Cigarette smoke and other irritants to the nose and throat (e.g. Dust) can make things a lot worse to stop, quit and avoid it.
Pollen app
Download a free Pollen app and use the MetOffice's Pollen Forecast website to plan ahead and avoid - where possible - very high counts or prepare yourself if you have to spend time outside.