The lack of traffic in the UK due to lockdown may be good news for the environment - but it's bad news for allergy sufferers, and an expert has explained why.

Hay fever sufferers noticing their allergies seem worse than usual this year are correct, the expert told ITV's Good Morning Britain.

Dr Hilary Jones has explained a dry month and a lack of pollution from cars during the UK's coronavirus lockdown has contributed to a particularly severe hay fever season, the Daily Express reports.

Itchy eyes and sneezing have become a fresh hazard for Brits out enjoying the sunshine while keeping a two-metre distance.

People in England can take advantage of lockdown easing rules allowing socially-distant meet ups in groups of up to six in parks from today.

But with the mercury set to reach highs of 27C in some parts of the UK today teamed with 'very high' pollen levels, they might want to pack tissues.

Today's Met Office pollen count shows high levels throughout England and Wales

The Met Office has today warned of soaring grass pollen levels amid the baking weather, with particularly high levels across England's south and Midlands, and Wales.

The forecasting service tweeted today: "If you suffer from #hayfever you've probably noticed that pollen levels are very high across most of England today.

It's a particularly severe hay fever season right now (
Image:
Getty Images/Science Photo Library RF)

"It will be very high tomorrow too but with the advent of showers later this week, pollen will reduce."

Dr Hilary told co-hosts Piers Morgan and Susannah Reid why the decrease in road traffic is contributing to the pollen's potency this month.

He said: “What we know is it’s been one of the driest Mays on record, so the pollen count is really high.

“And we also know that diesel particles particularly, pollution in other words, can combine with pollen in the atmosphere and drag it downwards.

“So there’s all sorts of reasons to do with pollution and the hot weather that hay fever is very common at the moment.”

Good Morning Britain's Piers Morgan revealed he has hay fever (
Image:
ITV)

Dr Hilary also had some tips for discerning between hay fever and Covid-19 symptoms.

Many coronavirus sufferers with a mild form of the killer virus won't exhibit symptoms - which is what makes it so dangerous, as people unknowingly spread it.

But the telltale official symptoms of Covid-19 includes a new and persistent cough or fever, and a loss of sense of taste and smell.

Some rules have been eased in England meaning more people can meet in parks (
Image:
FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

Dr Hilary added: “If you think about your symptoms, you’ll know as someone who’s had hay fever before what it feels like to have hay fever, albeit not so badly as this year.

“If you think about the eyes, they’re red and itchy with hay fever, very rarely with coronavirus.”

Piers revealed at the weekend he had actually mistaken his own hayfever symptoms for coronavirus.

Pollen levels are sky-high in England and Wales today (stock photo) (
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Getty Images/RooM RF)

The breakfast show host said: “The lack of pollution because we’ve been in lockdown, there’s been no cars and anything, there’s been much cleaner air…it’s allowing the pollen to hit you in a much bigger void, if you like, than normal.

“The doctor who was treating me said he’s had so many people thinking they've got Covid-19, and in fact, they’ve got bad hay fever.”

Piers had tweeted the theory before this morning's discussion on the topic, speculating whether a lack of pollution was contributing to his allergies.

Some fellow hay fever sufferers pointed out that fumes can exacerbate allergies.

A woman wearing a protective face mask in Queen Mary's Rose Gardens in Regent's Park, London (
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)

Unfortunately, there's no cure for allergic rhinitis, as hay fever is known to medical professionals.

But antihistamines, drops, nasal sprays, and tablets are available over the counter.

Experts also recommend measures like rubbing vaseline under your nose to catch the sticky pollen, wearing sunglasses, and washing laundry more often.

What are the symptoms of hay fever?

The symptoms of hay fever listed by the NHS include:

  • Sneezing and coughing
  • A runny or blocked nose
  • Itchy, red or watery eyes
  • Itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
  • Loss of smell
  • Pain around your temples and forehead
  • Headache
  • Earache
  • Feeling tired