AS Warrington swelters in some of the hottest weather most folk can remember, 62 per cent of British people say that hayfever and its symptoms make summertime less enjoyable – with many choosing to avoid outdoor exercise and events, new research reveals.
A OnePoll survey of 1,200 adults, commissioned by allergen medication producer Vividrin, found the nation is apprehensive about the arrival of the summer months, due to high pollen levels causing severe hayfever symptoms such as blocked or runny noses, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes – with 43 per cent saying these symptoms have the biggest negative impact on their summer.
As well as the physical symptoms of hayfever, almost half of people in Britain (49 per cent) say it has negatively affected their sleep, while 45 per cent say it has had a negative impact on their mental health.
Gen Z in particular say hayfever makes them feel far more self-conscious during the summer, with 63 per cent admitting it affects their confidence. A further 51 per cent have left an outdoor event early, 40per cent say they have avoided taking a selfie with friends or having their photo taken while out and about, and 28 per cent have cancelled a date – all because of hayfever.
According to the data, men appear to be more impacted than women, as they are more likely to cancel a date (Men: 27 per cent, Women: 18 per cent), call into work sick (Men: 22 per cent, Women: 14 per cent), and leave an event early because of hayfever (Men: 45 per cent, Women: 39 per cent).
However, three in four women (75 per cent) have felt irritable or moody because of symptoms, and almost half (47 per cent) admitted that someone has mistaken their hayfever for crying.
It is not just social occasions that hayfever affects, with 17 per cent of Brits admitting they have called in sick to work due to extreme symptoms.
The research was commissioned to highlight the serious impact hay fever can have on our social lives, relationships, and day-to-day life throughout the warmer months.
Spokesperson from Bausch and Lomb said: “We always look to celebrate the warmer weather whenever the UK gets it, but hayfever can be a barrier for so many people who suffer from it, ruining their enjoyment of the summer months.
“As well as the physical symptoms of hayfever, the limitations on your time outdoors or when pollen counts are high can really hamper your confidence, your social life and your mood.
“Helping to prevent the symptoms from happening, we can keep ourselves able to enjoy the nicer weather and going to fun experiences which make summer something to look forward to.”
