hay fever

Exam Hay fever hits hard

Exam Hay fever strikes just as students sit their most important ones. With peak pollen season in May and June, many children feel the impact on their performance. Research by Education for Health found that 63% of students taking exams suffered hay fever symptoms. Max Wiseberg, airborne allergens expert and creator of HayMax, shares key tips to support children during this crucial time.

Hay fever affects results

Max explains that students with hay fever are 40% more likely to drop a grade between their mocks and final exams. Those using antihistamines risk a 70% chance of grade drop, as drowsiness affects concentration. Children with severe hay fever double their risk of dropping a grade.

Simple steps to reduce pollen exposure

Parents can make small changes to reduce symptoms. Start with fresh clothes – pollen clings to fabric dried outdoors. Dry school uniforms indoors to help keep them pollen-free. Encourage children to apply HayMax, a drug-free balm proven to trap over one third of pollen before it enters the body. It’s safe for children and causes no drowsiness.

Hair holds pollen too. Tie hair back and wear a hat or cap before school. Wraparound sunglasses protect eyes on the way to the exam hall. Staying hydrated also helps – encourage regular water intake before and during exams.

Schools can help too

Parents should talk to schools about creating allergy-friendly exam spaces. Ask teachers to keep windows shut on high pollen days and open interior doors for airflow. East-facing rooms with closed windows offer the least exposure, especially when winds come from the west.

Schools with air conditioning should ensure their filters block pollen. HEPA-filtered vacuums reduce pollen on carpets and floors. Let schools know water access is essential, so students can stay hydrated during long exam sessions.

More advice for hay fever help

Visit www.haymax.biz/hay-fever for more information and advice on treatments. Every child deserves a fair chance to succeed, and managing hay fever well can make a real difference in exam performance.

By Fergus McCarthy

Fergus McCarthy is a seasoned publishing professional with over three decades of experience in the media industry. In 1993, he co-founded Parents News, a pioneering publication aimed at providing busy parents in Southwest London with essential information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly activities. Under his leadership, Parents News quickly expanded its reach from 60,000 to 192,000 monthly printed copies, establishing additional branches in Kent, South London, Northern Ireland, and Cornwall. In 1997, recognizing the potential of digital media, Fergus helped launch Parents News UK Online, which carried digital editions of the printed publication and offered a broader range of national information. The website's popularity soared, attracting up to 700 daily hits at its peak. Although Parents News transitioned to an online-only platform in 2017, Fergus continues to play a vital role as Publisher and Advertising Manager, focusing on providing value to businesses through effective advertorials.