Visits to the NHS hay fever advice page more than doubled in the space of four days as temperatures climbed across England this week. The page saw 12,990 visitors between June 14 and 17, up 131% from 5,632 over the same period the previous week. Sunday 14 June and Monday 15 June ranked as the second and third busiest days for the page so far this year, with 3,612 and 3,684 visits respectively.

Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England, said the warmer conditions had brought a corresponding rise in pollen levels that was affecting hay fever sufferers. "While I'm sure most people are delighted to be enjoying the warmth and sunshine at this time of year, particularly during the World Cup, the warm weather does bring an increase in the pollen count that can cause discomfort for hay fever sufferers," he said. Burton directed people towards community pharmacies and supermarkets, where treatments are available without a prescription, and pointed to the NHS website for further guidance on managing symptoms.

He also raised a specific concern about medication safety. Some treatments used to relieve hay fever can cause drowsiness, and Burton warned against taking more than the recommended dose, particularly for those planning to drive. "People should be careful not to double dose on medication which might make them drowsy, particularly if planning to drive," he said.

Hay fever has no cure. The condition typically affects people between late March and September, when pollen counts tend to be highest in warm, windy and humid weather. Symptoms vary but commonly include sneezing, coughing, a runny or blocked nose and irritated eyes. Some sufferers also experience headaches, earache or a temporary loss of smell. The severity of symptoms depends on individual sensitivity and the type of pollen present, which changes across the season.

For those seeking to reduce their exposure, NHS guidance sets out a number of practical steps. Staying indoors when pollen counts are high, keeping windows closed and applying a small amount of Vaseline around the nostrils to trap pollen before it is inhaled are among the measures listed. Showering and changing clothes after time spent outside can also reduce the amount of pollen carried indoors.

A range of treatments is available from pharmacies without a prescription. These include antihistamine tablets, nasal sprays and eye drops. Pharmacists can advise on which options are most appropriate depending on the nature and severity of symptoms. The NHS guidance indicates that people whose symptoms are not adequately controlled by over-the-counter remedies, or who are uncertain about which treatment to use, should seek advice from their GP. In some cases, stronger prescription medication or referral to a specialist may be warranted.

The NHS website, which is managed by NHS England and is the largest health information site in the United Kingdom, carries detailed guidance on hay fever covering both self-management and treatment options.