NHS 24 is offering tips on managing hay fever as pollen levels fluctuate throughout the summer.

It is running a campaign to educate individuals on the common allergic reaction, which can mimic the symptoms of a cold.

These include sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy, red, or watery eyes, an itchy throat, mouth, nose, and ears, and a cough.

Dr John McAnaw, associate clinical director at NHS 24, said: "Hay fever is common, and it can affect up to one in five people at any point in their lifetime.

"While it is not a life-threatening condition, there is no cure for it, and it can make those who have the condition feel quite miserable through the summer months."

(Image: NHS 24)

NHS 24 manages NHS inform, which is Scotland’s online health information service, where people can find more information on how to self-manage hay fever through its online symptom checker and where to seek further help.

Dr McAnaw said: “If you need to be outside, it can help to wear wraparound sunglasses and apply a small amount of Vaseline (petroleum gel) to your nostrils to stop pollen getting in your eyes and nose.

“It is also a good idea to take a shower and change your clothes after being outdoors to remove the pollen on your body.

“If you continue to struggle with the symptoms of hay fever speak to your local pharmacist, who can give you information on over-the-counter medicines that are suitable for you.

“If your hay fever is persistent, severe, or it causes complications with any other illnesses such as asthma, you should contact your GP for further advice.

“The most effective way to control hay fever would be to avoid pollen completely, but this would be near enough impossible to do in the summer months.

“If you struggle particularly with hay fever and the pollen count is high, you might want to consider staying indoors as much as possible.”

Information about pollen count can be obtained from the Met Office's pollen forecast page.

Yolanda Clewlow, relationships manager for Health and Air Quality at the Met Office, and the UK Pollen Forecast Manager, said: "The first thing to do is to make sure you understand the type of pollen you’re allergic to and monitor the Met Office pollen forecast.

"That way, you know when the very high days of pollen are coming, and you can take precautions to try and avoid it."