An estimated 13 million people in the UK suffer from the allergy to pollen.

Hay fever season is in full swing and new research from Vitality Health shows that a surprising one in 10 are experiencing symptoms for the very first time.

The research, conducted by Opinium among 2000 UK adults, in May 2025, found that whilst hay fever is typically characterised by sneezing and itchy eyes, nearly a quarter of new sufferers say they have fatigue, 12% are experiencing brain fog, and 11% say their concentration is affected. It also appears that women are suffering the most this year, with 39% reporting intensified symptoms compared to just 25% of men.

More than a minor inconvenience, hay fever commonly disturbs sleep and can increase irritability, affecting mental health. To make matters more complicated, because of its varying symptoms, many first-time sufferers can’t tell it apart from a common cold.

Dr Rosie Godeseth, Medical Director at Vitality explains: “Hay fever can develop at any age, so it’s not unusual for someone who’s never had it before to suddenly start reacting. Factors like increased pollen levels, climate change, and air pollution may also be making symptoms more intense and widespread.”

What is hay fever?

Hay fever is an allergic reaction to the grass or hay pollens that are produced by plants, trees, or flowers. There are three different hay fever seasons related to different pollen: tree pollen season mostly affects people between March and May, whereas the grass pollen season occurs around May to July, and weed pollen season is between June and September. Exact dates depend on where you live as some areas with less vegetation (such as towns and cities) have less pollen compared to more rural locations.

Common symptoms of hay fever include:

  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Runny/blocked nose
  • Itchy, red, or watery eyes
  • Itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
  • Loss of smell
  • Pain around the sides of your head and forehead
  • Headache
  • Fatigue

How to treat hay fever

Although there is no cure for hay fever, there are plenty of ways that you can minimise the disruption to your summer. To address the symptoms, you can:

  • Remove pollen from hair and textiles by changing clothes and having a shower when you get home .
  • Use antihistamines. Even if one brand doesn't work, another might.
  • Try reflexology. Hay fever sufferers can experience a build-up of toxins, so by working the lymphatic system with reflexology, a gentle detoxification is encouraged.
  • Wear sunglasses. Wraparound styles help keep pollen out of your eyes.
  • Check your weather apps for updates on when pollen counts are highest. Try to stay inside or keep windows closed during pollen peaks.
  • Apply Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen before it enters your nose.
  • Try nasal sprays.
  • Stay hydrated.
  • Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth
  • Use a pollen filter in the air vents of your car and a HEPA filter in your vacuum cleaner.
  • Avoid smoking as this can worsen symptoms.
  • Don’t have fresh flowers in the house.

If your symptoms are getting worse, or don't improve after taking medicines from the pharmacy, make an appointment to see your GP.