Lanarkshire residents warned to prepare for hay fever season

With hay fever season fast approaching, Lanarkshire residents are urged to contact their pharmacy for advice and treatment.

The NHS Pharmacy First Scotland, provided by local community pharmacies across Scotland, is the first point of call for individuals suffering from health concerns such as hay fever without the need for an appointment.

Lauren Gibson, lead pharmacist for community pharmacy services at NHS Lanarkshire, said: "With the arrival of spring, we understand the increased demand for support with common seasonal ailments like hay fever.

"Pharmacy First provides a convenient and efficient solution, ensuring that individuals can access the guidance and treatment they need where appropriate without delay."

She said while hay fever is not curable, it can be effectively managed by using a combination of antihistamine medications, a steroid nasal spray and antihistamine eye drops.

These, she said, are available to buy from shops, supermarkets or pharmacies without the need for a prescription or appointment.

She added: "Some can also be obtained free of charge from the ‘Pharmacy First’ service at your local community pharmacy.

"This year there is a wider range of products and medication available.

“As always, some of medication isn’t appropriate for everyone. If this is the case, the pharmacist will refer you to your GP for further help and advice."

Ms Gibson antihistamine medications work best if they are used two to four weeks before hay fever symptoms begin.

Additional protective measures like wearing wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes, showering and changing clothes after being outside, staying indoors and keeping windows and doors shut as much as possible, regular vacuuming, dusting with a damp cloth, and a pollen filter for the air vents in cars a a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter are advised.

For more information on the Pharmacy First service, contact your local pharmacy team.

Details of local pharmacies can be found at the NHS Lanarkshire online Spring Health Hub at www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/your-health/spring-health/.