The NHS recommends an unusual nostril hack that could help prevent hay fever. Parts of the UK are set to experience “high” levels of pollen this weekend.

An estimated 13 million people across Britain grapple with hay fever - a common allergic response triggered by airborne substances like pollen. Also known as allergic rhinitis, it comes with some frustrating symptoms including sneezing, itchy eyes, and headaches.

Symptoms will typically be worse whenever there are high amounts of pollen in the air. According to the Met Office, three areas of the UK will have high pollen counts today (Saturday, March 21).

These are Grampian, and Central, Tayside and Fife in Scotland and North East England. Yorkshire and Humber and Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian and Borders are both expected to have “medium” levels of pollen.

While there are treatments and remedies for hay fever available from pharmacies such as antihistimines, there are also some simple hacks you can try at home to minimise your exposure to pollen. On its website, the NHS says: “There's currently no cure for hay fever and you cannot prevent it.

“But you can do things to ease your symptoms when the pollen count is high.” As part of its advice, the health body recommends putting something around your nostrils.

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It says: “Put petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) around your nostrils to trap pollen.”

Other NHS advice for reducing hay fever symptoms includes:

• Wear wraparound sunglasses, a mask or a wide-brimmed hat to stop pollen getting into your nose and eyes


• Shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to wash pollen off


• Keep windows and doors shut as much as possible


• Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth


• Try to use a pollen filter in the air vents of your car, if you have one, and a HEPA filter in your vacuum cleaner


• Do not cut grass or walk on grass


• Do not spend too much time outside


• Do not keep fresh flowers in the house


• Do not smoke or be around smoke – it makes your symptoms worse


• Do not dry clothes outside – they can catch pollen


• Do not let pets into the house if possible – they can carry pollen indoors

It also recommends speaking to a pharmacist if you have hay fever. You should then see a GP if your symptoms are getting worse, or your symptoms do not improve after taking medicines from the pharmacy.