Households across Ireland are being warned against hanging their clothes out on the line this summer and encouraged to hang them up inside instead.
The common practice that has people running to their sun-drenched gardens with a mountain of washing in their hands could soon become a thing of the past as experts are now saying that this could be a huge reason why so many of us are suffering from hay fever.
The dreaded hay fever season kicks off in late March and usually lasts up until late September and Met Éireann has already reported that tree pollen is being released into the atmosphere so it's not uncommon for people to be feeling the effects already.
Grass pollen will soon be felt from mid-May and then weed pollen will follow until late September.
When the pollen count is high, experts say it can stick to our clothes that are hanging outside to dry, and are then brought back into the house.
Hay fever can include symptoms of coughing, sneezing, runny or blocked nose, itchy and watery eyes, sinus problems and headaches, and these symptoms will worsen when the weather is warm humid and/or windy.
There is no cure for hay fever unfortunately, but can be managed with nasal sprays and antihistamines, but the best way to manage is through preventative measures, like drying your clothes indoors.
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