Hayfever Help
We’re only a few weeks into the warmer months, but we’ve already had some days with very high pollen counts this year. In this newsletter we share remedies and treatments for the condition, as well as continue our profile on Pharmacy First services.
12 WAYS TO FIGHT HAYFEVER
Whilst many medical experts are quick to say that hayfever cannot be cured, you can’t stay indoors throughout the spring and summer months with all the windows shut! There are things you can do to minimise your symptoms and suffering. Here are our suggestions:
1. Antihistamines: There’s a wide range of tablets that can be taken for several hours of relief, but speak to a pharmacist to see which is best for you.
2. Barrier Balm: Using a layer of balm inside the nostril will help trap pollen from the air you breathe in. Some people use Vaseline, but if you don’t like the smell or look of that, other balms are available that work just as well.
3. Decongestants: Oils, patches and balms such as Olbas Oil and Vicks Vapo Rub can make for a soothing night’s sleep, especially products designed for children.
4. Eyedrops: Though not long-lasting, they do provide immediate relief from itchy eyes, so it’s always worth having a bottle on you.
5. Facewash: Washing your face regularly, certainly before and after bed, helps remove impurities and particles from your face.
6. Saline nasal spray: Solutions of salt and water moisturise nasal passages, loosen mucus and wash away allergens or irritants, providing quick results.
7. Steroid nasal spray: Products such as Beconase have a small amount of steroid to help reduce an allergic response to pollen. This does take a couple of weeks to take effect.
8. Water: Be sure to drink plenty of fluids as when your body is dehydrated it produces more histamine, which is something to avoid.
9. Wide brimmed hat: Serves as a physical barrier between pollen and your face.
10. Wrap around glasses: Another barrier for your eyes.
11. Bedding: Many sufferers find anti-allergy pillows, duvets and mattress protectors helpful as part of their long-term strategy to combat hayfever.
12. Air purifier: This is an expensive option, but can improve indoor living, especially in the bedroom for sleep at night. Look for HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) Filters, which capture pollen particles from the air; these can also be found in vacuum cleaners and facemasks.
Listen to the latest episode of the ‘What’s the Pharm?’ podcast to hear advice from Dr Raj Laly following his appearance on Express FM.
SPRING COVID JABS
COVID-19 boosters are once again being recommended for those aged 75 years and over, residents of care homes for older adults, and those aged 6 months and over with a weakened immune system.
Lalys Pharmacy is proud to be continuing its vaccinations for COVID-19. To book yours, click the button below and select Lalys Pharmacy as your chosen location.
PHARMACY FIRST: SHINGLES
What is shingles?
Shingles is an infection that causes a painful rash. The first symptoms can be a tingling or painful feeling in areas of skin, headaches and/or feelings of being generally unwell before a rash appears a few days later. Though it usually affects the chest and stomach, shingles can appear anywhere (including the face and eyes), but only on one side of the body.
How can it be treated?
Treatment for shingles depends on the symptoms and risk of complications. If your symptoms are mild, you can take paracetamol and use a cool compress to ease any pain, wear loose-fitting clothing and keep the rash clean.
However, if the rash is more severe, or affecting areas other than the chest, stomach or back and you are over the age of 18 years old, you can ask a pharmacist to examine your condition and recommend any treatments or medicine to speed up your recovery and avoid longer-lasting problems. Ideally, we’d like to see the rash in the first three days of its appearance. Our pharmacists can give the same antiviral medicines and advice as a GP, or direct you to other medical help if needed.
How long will it last?
It can take up to 4 weeks for the shingles rash to heal. Your skin may be painful for weeks after the rash has gone, but it usually gets better over time.
Is it contagious?
You cannot get shingles from someone with shingles or chickenpox, but you can get chickenpox from someone with shingles if you have not had it before. When people get chickenpox, the virus stays in the body. It can be reactivated later and cause shingles if someone’s immune system is weakened. This can be happen due to stress, certain conditions or treatments like chemotherapy.
The shingles vaccine
There is a shingles vaccine available for those over 65 years old and those over 18 years old with a severely weakened immune system. The vaccine helps reduce risk, and if you get shingles after being vaccinated, the symptoms can be much milder. You can get shingles more than once, so you should get vaccinated even if you’ve had shingles before.