A pharmacist is urging the public to go to their local pharmacy if they struggle with hay fever – rather than "bothering" their GP.
The advice comes as the Met Office forecasts very high levels of ash and birch pollen across the South West this week.
Mike Hewitson, a community pharmacist in Norton-sub-Hamdon, Somerset, said pharmacies offer treatments without the need for an appointment.
He said hay fever has a "big impact on people but we can do lots about it".
Pollen counts tend to be high during warm, dry, and breezy weather conditions, as these factors promote pollen production and dispersal from trees, grasses, and weeds, according to the Met Office.
"Different types of plants flower at different times," Mr Hewitson added.
He said trees are generally earlier in the season, and grass pollen then hits us in June and July.
