Pharmacists are urging people with hay fever to take preventative steps now in order to minimise their symptoms ahead of peak hay fever season - June and July.

Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen. While most people are affected by grass pollen, pollen from trees and flowers can also be a problem for some sufferers. Symptoms can include a runny nose, watery eyes, sinus pain, sneezing, coughing and headaches.

It affects 20% of the population, including 80% of people with asthma.

Hay fever season runs from April to September, but reaches its peak in June and July. It can have a major impact on overall wellbeing.

"Hay fever can make life miserable for patients, especially those with severe symptoms. It can greatly interfere with the sufferer's sleep, affect their daily routines and disrupt their productivity at school or at work," commented Ann-Marie Horan of the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU).

In fact, 87% of hay fever sufferers experience some level of sleep deprivation as a result.

"Treatments for hay fever include antihistamines, corticosteroids and decongestants, or for more severe cases, prescription medications such as steroids. Pharmacists are highly trained health professionals and they can play a significant role in the management of allergies, including hay fever. Anyone suffering from hay fever should ask their pharmacist first about the best treatment options for them," Ms Horan said.

The IPU offers the following advice to help reduce hay fever symptoms:

-Keep doors and windows closed when you are at home or driving
-Apply a little Vaseline inside the nose to trap pollen and stop it being inhaled
-Wear sunglasses, preferably wraparound glasses, to prevent pollen entering the eyes
-Do not mow grass and avoid working in the garden
-If possible, do not dry clothes outside
-Wash your hair, hands and face when you come back indoors and change your clothes to get rid of any pollen.