Many of you will know that hayfever is triggered by plant pollens in the air. Pollen forecasts vary daily and are influenced mainly by the weather.

• Pollen forecasts are published in daily newspapers from the end of May and on Ceefax and Teletext.
• They can also be accessed via the Internet at sites such as www.bbc.co.uk/weather and www.allergyadvice.co.uk .

Consider these handy tips.

• During high pollen counts, sleep with the windows closed. Stay indoors when pollen levels are highest (early morning and late afternoon/early evening), and keeping car windows closed.
• Consider taking a holiday on the coast or in a mountain or moorland area (where the pollen count is likely to be lower) during the peak pollen season (usually the last two weeks in June) may help.
• Sufferers seeking low pollen exposure abroad should aim for hotter, drier climates such as those of southern Europe.