Twice as many patients visited their GP about hay fever symptoms this June compared with the same period last year, reports the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP).

Figures from the College’s Research and Surveillance Centre show that 11,873 people visited their GP in England and Wales with hay fever in June 2014, compared with 5,560 in June 2013. The Centre, which monitors trends in diseases through patient consultations at GP surgeries, also found a three-fold increase in hay fever in the second week of June, compared with the previous week, and a five-fold increase in the last two weeks of the month.Maureen Baker, chair of the RCGP, advised hay fever sufferers to visit a community pharmacy for advice. She said:

“Whilst in some cases it may be necessary to see a doctor, especially if the symptoms persist, there are many antihistamine medications that can be bought over the counter at your pharmacy that should provide effective relief.”