{"id":841105,"date":"2026-03-21T17:23:24","date_gmt":"2026-03-21T17:23:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/841105\/"},"modified":"2026-03-21T17:23:24","modified_gmt":"2026-03-21T17:23:24","slug":"nhs-tips-to-prevent-hay-fever-as-parts-of-scotland-see-march-21-high-pollen-count","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/841105\/","title":{"rendered":"NHS tips to prevent hay fever as parts of Scotland see March 21 ‘high’ pollen count"},"content":{"rendered":"

An estimated 13 million people across Britain suffer from hay fever<\/p>\n

Fiona Callingham<\/strong> Lifestyle writer<\/p>\n

16:19, 21 Mar 2026<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

An unusual nose trick could help lessen the symptoms of hay fever(Image: Getty)<\/p>\n

The NHS has recommended an unusual nostril technique that may help ward off hay fever, as parts of Britain – including Scotland – are set to have “high” pollen levels this weekend.<\/p>\n

Around 13 million Brits struggle with hay fever – a prevalent allergic reaction caused by airborne particles such as pollen. Also referred to as allergic rhinitis, it brings with it a range of irritating symptoms including sneezing, itchy eyes and headaches.<\/p>\n

Symptoms typically worsen when pollen levels are high. According to the Met Office<\/a>, three regions across the UK will experience high pollen counts today (Saturday, March 21).<\/p>\n

\"Woman<\/p>\n

An estimated 13 million people across the UK are thought to suffer from hay fever(Image: Getty)<\/p>\n

These include Grampian, and Central, Tayside and Fife in Scotland, along with North East England. Yorkshire and Humber and Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian and Borders are both forecast to see “medium” pollen levels.<\/p>\n

Whilst pharmacy treatments and remedies for hay fever such as antihistamines are available, there are also straightforward tricks you can attempt at home to reduce your contact with pollen. On its website<\/a>, the NHS states: “There’s currently no cure for hay fever and you cannot prevent it.<\/p>\n

“But you can do things to ease your symptoms when the pollen count is high.” Among its recommendations, the health service suggests applying something around your nostrils.<\/p>\n

\"Petroleum<\/p>\n

Putting petroleum jelly around your nostrils could help trap pollen, according to the NHS(Image: Getty)<\/p>\n

It advises: “Put petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) around your nostrils to trap pollen.”<\/p>\n

READ MORE: Scotland to enjoy spring spell before facing more rain and wintry showers<\/a>READ MORE: When is the spring equinox as Scotland gets ready for brighter days?<\/a><\/p>\n

Additional NHS guidance for alleviating hay fever symptoms includes:<\/p>\n