A runny nose, headache and constant sneezing are just a few of the symptoms hay fever sufferers have to deal with during the summer. Here’s what you can do to better cope with it, before you take to the road:
- Try to minimise the effects by ensuring your van is clean and dust free, and that you operate the air conditioning or ventilation to your advantage, making use of air recirculation where possible.
- For anyone who hasn’t been diagnosed with hay fever and is feeling under the weather, avoid driving and arrange to see your GP as soon as possible. What you might think is just a slight cold can become a major distraction – get it checked before it gets worse.
- While over-the-counter medicines will help with a runny nose and sneezing symptoms, a lot of these tend to contain codeine, which can blur vision and make you feel drowsy – check with your GP what the best course of action is.
- Your GP may advise you to take anti-histamines to control the symptoms, but make sure you take the non-drowsy ones. If you’re unsure, read the leaflet or speak to your pharmacy for more advice.
“If you are stopped by the police after taking a hay fever remedy and driving whilst impaired you could find yourself falling foul of drug driving regulations,” IAM RoadSmart’s Head of Driving & Riding Standards, Richard Gladman, said. For more information, visit www.gov.uk/drug-driving-law.
Richard added: “Also be sure to check the medication thoroughly and see if it is suitable. But most importantly, concentrate on your route to recovery so you can get back onto the road sooner rather than later.”
