A road safety expert has warned motorists to be weary of the hay fever medications they are taking ahead of the thunderstorm expected to hit Ireland on Sunday.
Urging road users to make sure they are taking non-drowsy tablets, GEM road safety officer Neil Worth told Express : "Some medicines, including those used to treat hay fever, can have an effect on your ability to drive safely.
“They could make you tired, dizzy or groggy, and they can compromise your vision and reaction time.
“That’s why it’s so important to check with your GP or pharmacist, and to read any warnings contained on the labels of the medicines you plan to take.
“The same road traffic laws apply to therapeutic drugs as to illicit substances, so if your driving is impaired and you cause a collision, you risk prosecution and the loss of your licence.”
Met Eireann has urged asthma and hay fever suffers to be weary of an increase in allergens in the air ahead of the thunderstorm due to hit the nation on Sunday.
The weather forecaster has asked the public to be prepared for the risk of thunderstorm asthma, which occurs when heavy storms hit on a day with a very high pollen count and cause symptoms of an asthma attack.
Met Eireann warns: "Very high pollen risk during good weather. Thunderstorms from Sunday into Monday and Tuesday will bring the risk of thunderstorm asthma so please be prepared.
"This is caused by an increase in allergens in the air ahead of the storm but there is also a risk from certain spores during warm and humid weather. Grass, weed and fungal spores are the allergens currently airborne."
Symptoms of hay fever include:
- Headaches and dizziness.
- Earaches.
- Itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears.
- Loss of smell.
- Tiredness.
- Sneezing and coughing.
- A runny or blocked nose.
- Irritated eyes.
Asthma sufferers usually experience a tight feeling in their chest, shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing.
There is no cure for hay fever but there are ways to fight it.
- Put Vaseline under your nose to trap pollen.
- Hoover regularly and dust with a damp cloth.
- Get a pollen filter for the air vents in your car and hoover.
- Keep windows and doors shut.
- Wear wrap around sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes.
- Shower and change your clothes after being outdoors.
- Stay indoors when possible.
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