People in Leicester are being reminded their local pharmacist can help with runny noses and itchy eyes this summer.

Thousands of people in the city will suffer with hay fever this summer as well as grass and pollen allergies. NHS Leicester City is reminding residents' local community pharmacists stock a vast supply of hay fever and allergy remedies to ease the symptoms associated with summertime allergies.

To find your nearest Pharmacy, click here

To fing your nearest GP, click here

What causes hay fever?

In Britain, hay fever is mainly caused by grass pollen but increasingly, tree and shrub pollen, mould spores and weeds cause it too.

The pollens that cause hay fever can vary for each person and from region to region. The amount of pollen in the air will also affect how bad your hay fever is.

Did you know?

 There's more likely to be more pollen in the air on hot, dry and windy days than on cool, damp, rainy days

 The time of year at which people begin to experience hay fever symptoms varies depending on the types of pollen they're allergic to

 Hay fever season can last from April to October, and some people could have symptoms as early as March.

How can you reduce the risk of getting hay fever?

If you live in Britain, you've got around a 20% chance of developing hay fever. If your parents are allergic to something, you have a 50% chance of inheriting an allergy (it doesn't have to be the same allergy)

If you smoke while pregnant, your child could be more likely to develop an allergy. Not smoking and eating a healthy diet can limit the chances of passing on the tendency to your children.

Treatment

As with most allergies, the best way to control hay fever is to avoid triggers. A range of over-the-counter products are available to treat the symptoms of hay fever, including tablets, nasal sprays, eye drops and creams

If you would like to discuss the right treatment for you, speak to your GP or Pharmacist. It's particularly important to speak to your GP if you have asthma.

Other useful links:

 Asthma symtom checker

 Pollen Calendar

 Kids allergies