With allergy season well and truly underway, hay fever sufferers are urged to protect themselves from the high pollen count in the UK. The most common allergen is grass pollen, which usually peaks in the first two weeks of June. However, tree and weed pollen also contribute. There is no cure for hay fever, which affects around 10-13 million Brits, according to the Met Office - nearly 14% of the UK’s population.

However, there are numerous prevention methods that those with allergies can do, including using one common household product. Applying Vaseline around your nose and eyes in the morning, or at night, can prevent pollen from entering, according to Ashley Hainsworth, a sleep expert at Bed Kingdom. This will trap the pollen and stop it from causing irritation.

While out and about, wearing sun protection such as sunglasses or a hat, will also prevent pollen particles from gathering around the eyes and on your hair and skin.

After being outside, Ms Hainsworth recommends showering and changing your clothes immediately, as pollen collects on us throughout the day. This will help to stop particles spreading onto bed sheets and throughout the home.

To avoid bringing any further pollen into your house, avoid hanging your laundry outside, as it will trap the particles.

While inside, it’s advised to keep windows and doors shut, despite our instincts to let in fresh air during the warmer months. For allergy sufferers, it is better to keep them shut, at least for the first few hours after sunrise, as this is when pollen is released and before sunset when it settles back down.

Vacuuming regularly and dusting with a damp cloth are two cleaning tips that the expert suggests too, as this prevents a build-up in the home. Feather dusters can kick up dust and make allergies worse, yet a damp cloth will help trap allergens.

For those who use antihistamine tablets, but find they’re not working, Ms Hainsworth says to use natural home-remidies such as nettle tea. This contains antihistamines to settle sinus inflammation caused by hay fever.

Eating pineapple may help too as it contains bromelain, an enzyme that combats inflammation, swelling, and irritation caused by pollen.