| Text size:    |
National Allergy Week: 19th - 23rd May 2008
For most of us lovely summer days are a welcome relief after the dark days of winter but for around 12 million people it is the start of months of misery as allergic reactions to tree pollen and grasses are felt with sneezing, wheezes, itchy streaming eyes and a general feeling of being tired and run down.
Hay fever has a major impact on life affecting work, exams, social and family life. At this time of the year our help lines are ringing virtually non stop as people contact us seeking advice on how to manage their symptoms and what to do to reduce their impact on life.
As one caller to our helpline told us:-
“I drive a heavy goods vehicle but when my hay fever is really bad I have to stay off work. Continual sneezing, streaming eyes and coughing simply makes it too dangerous”
So what can be done? Allergy UK advises:-
- All hayfever sufferers should review their medication annually with their pharmacist, GP or practice nurse. It could be that a change of medication would significantly relieve symptoms. Following basic allergen management advice such as :-
- Don’t sleep with the window open.
- Wash your hair before going to bed if you have been out in the evening. Pollen is sticky and will stick to the hair and be transferred onto the pillow.
- Wear wrap around sun glasses if the eyes are affected.
- Put a smearing of Vaseline inside each nostril.
This and other avoidance tips can be found on this website
VITAL NEW SERVICE IS LAUNCHED
The key for management of all allergies is to know exactly what is triggering the reaction but until now this has been almost impossible for the average sufferer to obtain, but help is at hand with the launch on Monday 19th May of Allergy UK’s Accredited Pharmacy Screening Service.
For the first time allergy sufferers will be able to visit their local community pharmacist who have been trained and are accredited by Allergy UK to provide diagnosis and advice. Allergy UK will provide on-going support to sufferers and it is hoped that this will assist in seeing a gradual decrease in the number of people who go on to develop other long term health conditions.
The Screening Service which will cost £35.00 will start to roll out during National Allergy Week and over the rest of 2008 to eventually cover all areas of the UK. Look on our website for details of accredited pharmacists or call our helpline on 01322 619898.
For further information on National Allergy Week or the Pharmacy Screening Service please contact:
Muriel Simmons: 01322 611649/Mobile: 07882 531319
Jules Payne: 01322 611647
Lindsey McManus: 01322 611648
National Allergy Week 2008 is being supported by an educational grant from
Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited
