ASTHMA and hay fever sufferers are being warned as pollen levels are set to rise across the North West.

The Met Office is predicting the pollen count will be ‘high’ from today until Wednesday.

In preparation, Royal Bolton Hospital has issued a number tips for anyone that may be affected. They include:

n putting Vaseline around nostrils to trap pollen

n wearing wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting in your eyes

n shower and change clothes when you have been out to wash off pollen

n Stay indoors whenever possible

n Keep windows and doors shut as much as possible

n Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth

n Buy a pollen filter for the air vents in your car and a vacuum cleaner with a special HEPA filter

Hayfever medicines such as antihistamines can also stop the allergic reaction that triggers asthma symptoms and keep itchy eyes and runny noses at bay.