Hay fever sufferers warned not to use one major function in their car

Drivers are being warned to take extra care on the road if they suffer from hay fever. According to an insurance expert both the hay fever itself and some treatments can limit your ability to drive effectively.

Hay fever has been very bad for many suffers in recent days with the hot weather bringing large concentrations of pollen. The season for hay fever last months but the sources change over that time.

READ MORE: Every donation made to Vaughan Gething and Jeremy Miles

READ MORE: The worst places in Wales to get sick

The pollen seasons are separated into three sections:

1. Tree pollen - late March to mid-May

2. Grass pollen - mid-May to July

3. Weed pollen - end of June to September

As we enter the summer season in full swing many will be feeling their hay fever symptoms coming back. According to Louise Thomas from Confused.com motor insurance people should avoid using their car's air con if they are suffering from hay fever.

She said: "It's the peak time of year for hay fever sufferers so if you're a driver symptoms could be problematic when out on the road. That's as our research found how almost one in five (17%) drivers have had an accident or near-miss due to their hay fever. And if you need to take medication to keep your hay fever symptoms at bay your driving could be impacted even further.

“If you need to take medication you should be aware of the risks when it comes to driving. Some can have a sedating effect which could impact your driving ability. And for drivers who've had an accident or near-miss more than a quarter (27%) said it was because of having delayed reaction or coordination. So if you need to take medication always read the label first to check whether it's safe to use alongside driving. Or, if you're not sure, speak to a doctor or pharmacist.

“When driving you should also try to avoid using the air con as it increases the movement of pollen and dust. Regularly cleaning the inside of your car can also help to keep pollen levels low. Hay fever affects thousands of drivers and it can be a real pain for those who suffer this time of year. But taking the right measures before driving can keep you and other road users safe while on the road.”

What are the symptoms of hay fever?

If you've never suffered from hay fever there are a few things you should look out for when it hits:

• sneezing and coughing

• a runny or blocked nose

• itchy, red, or watery eyes

• itchy throat, mouth, nose, and ears

• loss of smell

• pain around your temples and forehead

• headache

• earache

• feeling tired

If you have asthma you might also have a tight feeling in your chest, be short of breath, or wheeze and cough.

How can I avoid hay fever?

Tips on how to treat hay fever include:

• put Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen

• wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes

• shower and change your clothes after you've been outside to wash pollen off

• stay indoors whenever possible

• keep windows and doors shut as much as possible

• vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth

• buy a pollen filter for the air vents in your car and a vacuum cleaner with a special HEPA filter

You can also buy eye drops and antihistamines from most pharmacies to relieve your symptoms. In some cases your GP might prescribe steroids. If steroids and other hay fever treatments don't work your GP may refer you for immunotherapy. This means you'll be given small amounts of pollen, as an injection or tablet, to slowly build up your immunity to it.