Last year's streaming eyes and sneezing fits might seem like a distant memory, but with spring fast approaching, a pharmacist has warned it's time to start getting ready for hay fever season 2026.
Deborah Grayson, who posts as The Godmother of Pharmacology on TikTok, told the Daily Mail that it's a good idea for hay fever sufferers to start taking antihistamines now, especially if tree pollen is a trigger.
You should start taking antihistamines two to four weeks before hay fever season.
This enables the body to block the reaction before they can cause symptoms and minimise the risk of a reaction to the pollen.
If you're allergic to tree pollen such as birch, which generally runs from March to mid-May, start taking antihistamines now.
Grass pollen season runs from mid-May to July and weed pollen can cause hay fever symptoms from late June to September.
Hay fever, an allergy to pollen, typically hits from late March, as tree pollen begins to peak, lasting through until September.
The condition affects a quarter of adults and one in ten children -- and symptoms, which include sneezing, coughing and sore, red and itchy eyes, can be debilitating.
Two thirds of sufferers say it negative impacts everyday life, causing poor sleep, fatigue and decreased concentration.
And one in five are forced to take time off work due to the allergy.
Antihistamines, over-the-counter drugs that block histamine, a chemical released by the immune system during an allergic reaction, are the mainstay of treatment.
When the body is challenged by an allergen such as pollen, the immune cells in our tissues called mast cells break down to release the compound histamine.
The histamine then attaches to one of the body's histamine receptors and triggers those symptoms we typically see in hay fever and other allergies such as sneezing, runny eyes and itchy skin.
Antihistamines work by blocking the action of histamine on the histamine receptors, in turn reducing the likelihood and severity of symptoms.
There are two types of antihistamines, sedative and non-drowsy, and they can potentially interfere with other medications so some care is needed.
Ms Grayson said: 'Non-drowsy antihistamines are generally safe to take with other medications but it is always wise to double check with your pharmacist or doctor.
However, sedative antihistamines will increase the effect of medications which also have drowsiness as a side effect. Check on the dispensing label if drowsiness is an issue with the medication you take.'
If you have been prescribed, or are taking, sedative antihistamines, it's important to abstain from alcohol.
'People shouldn't be used alongside alcohol as it can increase the effects of both,' said Ms Grayson, adding that while this specific issue isn't relevant for non-drowsy antihistamines, alcohol can impact how the body handles and breaks down histamine and can make your allergy symptoms worse.
'Non-drowsy antihistamines are generally considered the safest forms to take long term as they don't cause drowsiness, which affects driving,' she said.
'There are also concerns about long term use of sedative antihistamines and an increased risk of dementia due to their impact on neurotransmitter signalling.
Taking short term or as prescribed is recommended.'
Unlike some drugs, there is no need to taper on to antihistamines; you can start at a normal dose straight away, and there's no set time to take them for maximum effect.
Ms Grayson added: As most non-drowsy antihistamines are one a day, it really doesn't matter when you take them. Experiment with different times to find the time that works best for you from a symptom perspective.'
Alongside antihistamine use, the NHS recommends other key methods to help hay fever sufferers deal with their symptoms.
These include placing a dab of petroleum jelly around your nostrils to trap pollen and wearing wraparound sunglasses, a Covid-style mask or a wide-brimmed hat to stop pollen getting into the eyes and nose.
Patients are also advised to shower and change their clothes after coming in from outside to make sure pollen isn't spread around the house.
Keeping windows and doors shut as much as possible, vacuuming regularly and dusting with a damp cloth are also recommended.
Most people can safely take antihistamines, according to the NHS.
However those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, the very young or old, those taking other medication or who have underlying heart disease, liver disease or other issues, should speak to a GP or pharmacist before starting medication.
Allergy expert Dr Adrian Morris of the Surrey Allergy Clinic backs the early preparation method, previously writing in a blog post: 'Silver Birch tree pollen begins early in March, although most hay fever sufferers will have problems when the grass pollens become prevalent a little later in April to May.
'But now is the time to prepare as prevention is better than cure.
'Start your once-daily non-sedating antihistamines two to three weeks before the season gets under way.'
He suggests those sensitive to tree pollen should have already started their medication while others need to begin mid-March.
He added: 'Take your antihistamine every day during the season for best results; low dose nasal steroid sprays are very effective if taken together with antihistamines for breakthrough symptoms.'