ALMOST two thirds (62%) of Brits say that hayfever and its symptoms make summertime less enjoyable, with many choosing to avoid outdoor exercise and events or cancel their plans instead, 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 spring and summer months, due to high pollen levels causing severe hayfever symptoms such as blocked or runny noses, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes – with 43% 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%) say it has negatively affected their sleep, while 45% 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% admitting it affects their confidence. A further 51% have left an outdoor event early, 40% say they have avoided taking a selfie with friends or having their photo taken while out and about, and 28% 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%, Women: 18%), call into work sick (Men: 22%, Women: 14%), and leave an event early because of hayfever (Men: 45%, Women: 39%).
However, three in four women (75%) have felt irritable or moody because of symptoms, and almost half (47%) admitted that someone has mistaken their hayfever for crying.
It is not just social occasions that hayfever affects, with 17% of Brits admitting they have called in sick to work due to extreme symptoms.
The research was commissioned to highlight the serious impact hayfever 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.”
