It’s still bad news for hayfever sufferers looking ahead, with every day next week currently flagged as having “very high” levels of pollen, according to the MET Office.

It was declared this month that pollen levels had risen to their highest levels in 12 years, leaving those prone to hayfever feeling pretty rotten over the past few weeks.

But why exactly is the pollen count so high this year?

Firstly it is important to consider that there are three of the most common types of pollen which you can be exposed to, which are:

1. Tree pollen - late March to mid-May.

2. Grass pollen - mid-May to July.

3. Weed pollen - end of June to September

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Due to the colder start to this year, with snow falling and freezing temperatures continuing through into late March, the germination of plants, which produces pollen, was delayed.

This meant that as temperatures started to finally rise towards the end of April and beginning of May, both tree pollen and grass pollen began to release at the same time, creating a “pollen bomb”.

The weather and precipitation has also been a strong factor in releasing so much pollen, with experts pointing towards significant spells of rainfall followed by strong sunshine as a reason for grass pollen to be so prominent this year.

How can I relieve my symptoms?

• Put vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen

• Wear wrap around sunglasses when you go out

• Avoid going out first thing in the morning and late in the evening

• Shower and change your clothes when you have been outside.

• Keep windows and doors shut as much as possible

• Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth

• Buy a pollen filter for the air vents in your car

• Dry clothes inside

• Smoking and drinking alcohol will make your symptoms worse - so stay away from both

• Stock up on nasal sprays/eye drops/antihistamine

• See your GP