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Understanding Hay Fever Season in the UK

Jun 16
4 min read

Updated: Aug 12

As temperatures rise and flowers bloom, many of us look forward to spending time outdoors. However, for millions, this is also the start of hay fever season. Sneezing fits, itchy eyes, congestion, and fatigue become daily challenges as pollen levels rise.


Hay fever, or seasonal allergic rhinitis, is one of the most common allergies globally. It occurs when our immune systems react to pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. While many associate hay fever with outdoor activities, experts increasingly stress the importance of indoor air quality in managing symptoms.


Why Allergies Don't Stop at the Workplace


For many employees, stepping indoors does not guarantee relief from hay fever symptoms. Pollen can easily enter workplaces through open doors and windows, on clothing, and via visitors. Once inside, allergens settle on office furnishings, carpets, and workstations, continuing to circulate in the air.


In addition to pollen, workplaces can harbour other airborne irritants like dust, mould spores, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Poor ventilation and excess moisture can worsen these issues, encouraging mould growth and allowing pollutants to accumulate indoors.


According to Healix, hay fever affects millions each year, significantly impacting workplace productivity, concentration, and employee wellbeing. As allergy seasons lengthen and intensify, organisations increasingly recognise the need for healthier indoor environments that help employees remain comfortable and productive.


Since employees spend a large portion of their day inside office buildings, indoor air quality is vital for wellbeing and business performance. Poor air quality can lead to discomfort, fatigue, reduced concentration, and increased sickness absence. Therefore, effective ventilation and air quality management are essential for modern workplaces.


Common Symptoms of Hay Fever


Hay fever symptoms can range from mild irritation to severe discomfort, affecting concentration, productivity, sleep, and overall wellbeing. Common symptoms include:


  • Sneezing

  • Runny or blocked nose

  • Itchy throat and eyes

  • Watery or red eyes

  • Coughing

  • Headaches and fatigue


Many people confuse hay fever with a common cold, especially since symptoms can last for weeks during peak pollen seasons.


Can Ventilation Help?


Ventilation plays a crucial role in improving indoor air quality and supporting healthier workplaces during hay fever season. Effective ventilation removes stale air, excess moisture, and indoor pollutants while maintaining a comfortable environment for occupants.


The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) highlights the importance of adequate ventilation in workplaces. Fresh air helps dilute and remove airborne contaminants. However, during high pollen counts, organisations must balance outdoor air intake with appropriate filtration measures to minimise allergens entering the building.


Mechanical ventilation systems, well-maintained air handling units, and high-efficiency filtration contribute to cleaner indoor air while supporting employee comfort. Regular maintenance of ventilation systems is essential to ensure they operate effectively and deliver the intended indoor air quality benefits.


Maintaining balanced humidity levels is equally important. Excess moisture can encourage mould growth, which may trigger symptoms similar to hay fever and negatively impact indoor environmental quality.


Simple Ways to Reduce Indoor Allergens


Woman with eyes closed blows her nose into a tissue indoors, looking sick, with a bright blurred window behind her.

From “Control indoor allergens to improve indoor air quality,” by Lung Sleep Wellness, n.d., https://lungsleepwellness.com/control-indoor-allergens-to-improve-indoor-air-quality-aafa-org/


While it may be impossible to avoid pollen entirely, several practical steps can help reduce allergen exposure and improve indoor air quality in the workplace.


Maintain Clean Workspaces and Shared Areas


Pollen, dust, and other allergens can accumulate on desks, carpets, and upholstered furniture. Regular cleaning of workstations, meeting rooms, and communal spaces can help minimise allergen build-up and enhance indoor air quality.


Optimise Ventilation and Filtration


Well-maintained ventilation systems remove stale air and reduce airborne pollutants. During high pollen counts, employers should ensure ventilation systems are properly maintained and fitted with appropriate filtration to limit allergens entering the workplace.


Manage Indoor Humidity Levels


Excess moisture can promote mould growth, worsening allergy symptoms and negatively affecting indoor air quality. Monitoring humidity levels and promptly addressing damp areas can help create a healthier working environment.


Encourage Good Workplace Hygiene


Employees can inadvertently bring pollen indoors on clothing, bags, and personal belongings. Encouraging staff to store outerwear appropriately and maintain clean workstations can help reduce the spread of allergens throughout the workplace.


Consider Air Cleaning Technologies


Air purifiers and filtration systems equipped with HEPA filters can capture pollen, dust, and other airborne particles. These solutions may be particularly beneficial in enclosed offices, meeting rooms, and areas with limited natural ventilation.


The Growing Importance of Workplace Indoor Air Quality


As allergy seasons become longer and more intense, awareness of indoor air quality in workplaces continues to grow. Employers are increasingly recognising that healthier indoor environments support employee wellbeing, improve comfort, and reduce the impact of seasonal allergies on daily performance.


While there is no permanent cure for hay fever, reducing exposure to allergens indoors can lessen symptoms and improve comfort throughout the allergy season. By combining effective ventilation, filtration, and air quality management strategies, organisations can create healthier workplaces that support both employees and visitors.


If you would like to learn more about improving indoor air quality in your workplace or discuss ventilation and air quality solutions tailored to your building, get in touch with our team. We would be happy to help you create a healthier indoor environment that supports employee wellbeing throughout the year.


References


Allergy UK. (2024). Indoor air quality factsheet. Allergy UK. https://www.allergyuk.org/resources/indoor-air-quality-factsheet/

Healix. (2024). Managing seasonal allergies: Supporting your workforce. https://healix.com/health/insights/blog/managing-seasonal-allergies-supporting-your-workforce

Health and Safety Executive (HSE). (n.d.). Ventilation in the workplace. https://www.hse.gov.uk/ventilation/

Lung Sleep Wellness. (n.d.). Control indoor allergens to improve indoor air quality. https://lungsleepwellness.com/control-indoor-allergens-to-improve-indoor-air-quality-aafa-org/

Prĭhoda UK. (n.d.). Hay fever season: Can ventilation help? It depends. Prĭhoda UK. https://prihoda.co.uk/hay-fever-season-can-ventilation-help-it-depends/

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