..searches around hay fever up 316% in the last seven days according to Google trend data

With hot weather sending pollen counts through the roof, alongside reports of highly potent ‘super pollen’ and fear-inducing ‘pollen bombs,’ it’s no wonder rhinitis sufferers are scouring the web in search of expert advice to relieve their symptoms.

This week, analysis of Google search data by manufacturing firm Airdri, found that hay fever related searches are up 316% in the last seven days.

Allergy UK outlines that a third of hay fever sufferers (34%) have reported experiencing embarrassment and anxiety due to their symptoms. And in the same survey, 46% of workers said that hay fever affects their concentration with a further 35% believing it lowers their productivity. Previous research also shows that one in five hay fever sufferers have taken time off work due to their symptoms, demonstrating how this common allergy could be affecting profit and productivity levels for UK businesses.

Here are some ideas to reduce the impact of hay fever in the workplace:

1. Keep windows closed

An issue that’s often seen in the workplace as we head into hay fever season, is that opening windows and letting in fresh air to keep the temperature down ,especially when you don’t have air conditioning, can make the symptoms of hay fever much worse. It allows pollen to circulate into the space and more often than not, it has no way of escaping. Best advice is to keep windows closed and bring in fans or air conditioning to keep the temperature down.

2. Stay indoors

A walk in the fresh air may be good for your productivity in normal circumstances but in hay fever season it could be counterproductive. If your symptoms are particularly bad then stay indoors as much as you can. Similarly if you’re a smoker then it’s time to cut back on the cigarette breaks. Not only will this take you outdoors making your allergy symptoms worse, smoking will also exacerbate your symptoms.

3. Know your pollen allergy

It’s a good idea to try and narrow down what type of pollen you are allergic to, which is often indicated by the month your symptoms are worst in.

As a rough guide: Tree pollen season runs from late-March to mid-May and grass pollen season runs from mid-May to July.

4. Reduce pollen particles in the workplace

In an office or workplace this means that you are constantly balancing conflicting needs of the workforce, however there are some things you can do to protect both. Vacuuming regularly with a cleaner that has pollen filters and dusting with a damp cloth will prevent pollen from settling on surfaces and reduce pollen particles in the air.

Filters and HEPA fans can help to reduce the amount of pollen in the air too, but if want something even more effective try installing an air sanitisation unit such as SteraSpace from Airdri. This can help to dramatically reduce the amount of pollen in offices and places of work. The sanitiser units are most well-known for their ability to eliminate viruses, bacteria, mould, and fungi – but they are also capable of eliminating pollen, pollution, and smoke.

Find out more at https://airdri.com

5. Drink more water

According to water sommelier Doran Binder, AKA the Bearded Water Sommelier, drinking more than the recommended two litres of water a day has dramatically reduced his hay fever symptoms. To the point where he is not affected at all this year. There’s some science behind the theory too, water thins the mucus in your nasal passage to keep sinuses clear. Moreover, being hydrated causes the body to produce more histamine. When you breathe in pollen, your body releases histamine, which is a main cause of allergy symptoms.