By Graham Britton. WITH no fewer than two bank holiday weekends and further good weekend forecast, May is a month when families will travel places in search of enjoyment. But, fun-seeking families from Topsham have been advised to take care whilst out enj

By Graham Britton

WITH no fewer than two bank holiday weekends and further good weekend forecast, May is a month when families will travel places in search of enjoyment.

But, fun-seeking families from Topsham have been advised to take care whilst out enjoying the weather - that is, if anyone suffers from hay fever.

A study conducted by Kleenex, the well-known tissue brand, found that more than 26 per cent of people from the area particularly suffered from the condition in May.

The research concluded that more than 34 per cent of sufferers avoided going outside during peak holiday seasons and almost one in three people said the hay fever impacted on family life.

Anna Smith, a pharmacist at Topsham Pharmacy, on Fore Street, said: "If people are going to go out then they should wear dark sun glasses to stop pollen landing their eyes."

Ms Smith continued to offer the following advice: "People can smear Vaseline around their nose and then take any other anti-hay fever medication such as noise spray.

"There are many people in Topsham with the condition. We sell and dispense a lot of medication related to hay fever."

The study found that six in ten families in the UK harboured a hay fever sufferer.

And, where its findings related to the Topsham area were concerned, more than 25 per cent of sufferers wanted to socialise with friends less.

Professor John Emberlin, hay fever consultant, said: "So many families will be out an about enjoying themselves but they could get caught unawares if they don't prepare themselves adequately.

"They need to think carefully about where to go to avoid unnecessary suffering."

Devon is regarded as a hotspot for hay fever suffers because long growing seasons result in long pollen seasons.

People who embark on daytrips are advised that the worst places for sufferers to go are the inland valleys and lowlands, especially those with pastures, verges and hedgerows.

And, sheltered valleys close to the sea can have high pollen counts.

For more information on hay fever, visit the following website at www.hayfeverexpert.co.uk