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The PEPA blog.

Practical, plain-English articles on hay fever, pollen and allergies — the kind of thing that actually helps on a high-pollen day. New posts land here as we write them. General information, not medical advice.

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Why Your Hay Fever Is Worse on Some Days Than Others

Two similar days, wildly different symptoms? Warm dry breezy weather, the time of day, which pollen is in season and thunderstorms all change how hay fever feels — here's why, in plain English.

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Hay fever and exams: can pollen affect your grades?

Hay fever and exams: a UK study links pollen symptoms to dropping a GCSE grade. Why exam season peaks with pollen, plus calm ways to cope.

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Hay fever and itchy eyes: how to soothe them

Hay fever and itchy eyes go hand in hand. Why pollen makes eyes red, itchy and watery, gentle ways to soothe them, and when to ask a pharmacist.

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Hay fever and sleep: how to rest better in pollen season

Hay fever and sleep rarely mix. Why nights feel worse, a calm evening routine that keeps pollen out of the bedroom, and when to ask a pharmacist.

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Hay fever in children: a calm guide for parents

Hay fever in children, explained for parents: the signs, why it happens, gentle everyday steps that help at home, and when to see a pharmacist or GP.

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Hay fever or a cold? How to tell the difference

Hay fever or a cold? How to tell the difference: itchy eyes, fever, mucus, timing and duration — plus a comparison table and when to see a pharmacist.

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When is hay fever season in the UK?

When is hay fever season in the UK? Tree, grass and weed pollen run from late March to September — here is the calm guide to each hay fever season window.

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Why is my hay fever worse at night?

Why is hay fever worse at night? Evening pollen settles back down, open windows let it in, and it clings to bedding. Calm ways to keep your room clearer.

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How common is hay fever in the UK?

How common is hay fever in the UK? Around 1 in 4 adults and about 1 in 8 children — roughly 16 million people. A calm look at the numbers.

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How to reduce pollen in your home: a calm, practical guide

How to reduce pollen in your home: calm, room-by-room steps for windows, washing, dusting and pets, so hay fever feels easier indoors.

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Pollen calendar UK: when tree, grass and weed pollen peak

The pollen calendar UK explained: when tree, grass and weed pollen peak, month by month, plus calm, practical steps for the days when levels run high.