Overview
- The Met Office forecasts very high or high pollen counts across the UK through June and July, with London, the southeast, West Midlands and Wales hardest hit.
- An estimated 10 to 13 million people in the UK suffer from hay fever, experiencing symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes and headaches.
- Cleaning specialists recommend wiping window sills daily with a damp microfibre cloth to remove indoor pollen buildup.
- Households are advised to keep windows and doors closed between 10 am and 3 pm when pollen levels peak and to wash bedding weekly at 60 °C.
- Additional measures include avoiding outdoor drying of laundry and wiping down pets after walks to limit pollen entering the home.