Ideally change your clothes and shower when you come in to avoid contact with pollen and spores. Keep car windows closed when driving. If planning a holiday, remember that the grass pollen season tends to be earlier as you travel further south in Europe. Dr John Mullins is senior scientist in the Department of Therapeutics and Toxicology, Llandough Hospital, South Glamorgan. Professor Jean Emberlin is director of the National Pollen Research Unit, University College, Worcester.
Hay fever is the common name for seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Symptoms include sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose.