HSE reveal hay fever cure amid high pollen count and sunny weather

Met Éireann has warned that hay fever season has begun with a high pollen count recorded across the country on Friday May 9.

According to HSE, hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen and symptoms occur soon after pollen comes into contact with your mouth, nose, eyes and throat.

The pollen count is at its highest when the weather is warm, humid and windy, the HSE warns, amid sunny weather and 21 degrees weather update from Met Éireann.

The HSE has issued advice for those who suffer with hay fever symptoms:

• Check the pollen forecast count daily at Met Éireann
• Put Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen
• Wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen from getting into your eyes
• Shower and change your clothes after you've been outside to wash the pollen off
• Stay indoors or plan indoor activities for children when the pollen count is high
• Keep windows and doors closed when the pollen count is high
• Dust with a damp cloth
• Vacuum often
• Be aware that pets can carry pollen into your house

The HSE advises people to take anti-histamines to help relieve hay fever symptoms.

Antihistamines come as tablets, capsules, liquids, syrups, creams, lotions, gels, eye drops and nasal sprays.

The HSE also recommends cleaning your nasal passages often with a salt water solution, which is called 'nasal douching' and helps keep your nose free of irritants.

You can buy sachets for rinsing your nose at a pharmacy, HSE advises.

A natural remedy for hay fever to try is said to be nettle tea.

According to Healthline.com, "stinging nettle is viewed as a promising natural treatment for hay fever. Test-tube research shows that stinging nettle extracts can inhibit inflammation that can trigger seasonal allergies."

You can make your own from stinging nettle in your garden, or buy nettle tea/drops from your local health store.

Pollen Forecast

➡️Tree, Grass, nettle and weed pollen seasons starting.

➡️Birch and Cypress pollen levels are high currently.

➡️Ash levels have risen recently.

➡️Medium concentrations expected for grass pollen.

More here⬇️https://t.co/ZbaJ2zLRhg pic.twitter.com/wUE7XANDnr

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) May 9, 2025

According to BBC Good Food, another natural remedy to try is quercetin which is a natural compound found in lots of common foods, including onions, turmeric, dark berries, red wine and citrus fruits.

"It’s been shown to reduce the release of histamine in the body by stabilising the cells that release it. While quercetin may be consumed through diet, many find that regular use of a quercetin supplement early in allergy season may be quite effective," the report said.

The HSE has noted that there are some things you should not do if you suffer from hay fever:

• Do not cut grass or walk on grass
• Do not keep fresh flowers in the house
• Do not smoke or be around smoke - it makes your symptoms worse
• Do not dry clothes outside - they can trap pollen