Around 1-in-5 of us will be affected by hay fever in our lives, so it’s important to know how to lessen symptoms such as runny nose, sore and itchy eyes, coughs and sneezes, headaches and tiredness.

But did you know that you don’t need a prescription from your GP to get hay fever and allergy medicines? Instead, your local pharmacy should be the first place you go to get advice on how to deal with hay fever. If your symptoms suggest something more serious, your pharmacist will ensure you get the care you need.

There are lots of self-care remedies to help manage hay fever and allergy symptoms at home, including:

• Taking over-the-counter antihistamines
• Putting Vaseline around your nostrils to trap any pollen
• Wearing wraparound sunglasses
• Avoiding triggers where possible, such as grassy areas and flowers
• Keeping your clothes and house clean to remove any pollen
• Buying a pollen filter for the air vents in your car and a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter

If you are affected by hay fever, you should stay aware of the pollen count and when high pollen count days (often warmer days) are due, so you can plan steps to minimise exposure such as keeping windows closed in your house, office or car.

One way to do that is by visiting the Met Office website to get a five-day pollen forecast.

However, if you’re experiencing wheezing, breathlessness, or tightness in the chest, if pregnant or breastfeeding and symptoms don’t improve after avoiding triggers, or if symptoms don’t improve after taking over-the-counter medicines, you should call NHS111.