IF you are already struggling with hayfever, be warned - it is only going to get worse this week.

That's because weather forecasters say the pollen count is set to rocket over the next few days.

The pollen count for Monday and Tuesday is only at medium but forecasters at the Met Office say by Wednesday the count will hit very high and remain at that level until Saturday when it returns to high and then down to medium by Sunday.

A spokesman for the Met Office said: "There will be very high grass pollen risk during dry, sunny weather. There is also a high risk of weed pollen and fungal spores.

"Asthma sufferers should be prepared."

Asthma UK suggests sufferers take their prescribed preventer medicine to soothe irritated airways so they are less likely to react to the pollen trigger.

Hay fever medicines such as antihistamines can stop the allergic reaction that triggers asthma symptoms and keep itchy eyes and runny noses at bay.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?

The Oldham Times:

NHS advice is to..

1) Put Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen

2) Wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes

3) Shower and change your clothes after you’ve been outside to wash off pollen

4) Stay indoors whenever possible

5) Keep windows and doors shut as much as possible

6) Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth

7) Buy a pollen filter for the air vents in your car and a vacuum cleaner with a special HEPA filter

BUT DON'T...

1) Cut grass or walk on grass

2) Spend too much time outside

3) Keep fresh flowers in the house

4) Smoke or be around smoke – it makes your symptoms worse

5) Dry clothes outside as they can catch pollen