Warning for hay fever sufferers

Hay fever misery is set to hit sufferers at least three weeks earlier than usual this year, it was claimed yesterday.

The high March temperatures have hastened the production of tree pollen, particularly in southern England and the Midlands, according to hay fever treatment manufacturers Beconase, and as a result, millions of people can soon expect to suffer sneezing fits and sore eyes. Beconase said information from the Pollen Research Unit showed that the peak of the tree pollen season was expected to occur over the next two weeks in the South and Midlands, and over the next three to four weeks in the North.