Although the is getting warmer and the days are longer, this time of year is not always the most enjoyable for everyone. Pollen counts across the UK are on the rise and sufferers are braced for the season ahead.

Data suggests that hay fever affects one in five adults and children across the nation. Many sufferers get uncomfortable symptoms, such as a runny nose and itchy eyes, as a result of the allergy.

However, Dr Alexis Missick, a GP who works with , the nation's leading online pharmaceutical company, has offered advice to sufferers as we enter peak hay fever season. He has shared top tips for managing and preventing symptoms.

Among his advice to sufferers is to avoid alcohol this month. Dr Missick said alcohol consumption can add to the overall histamine load in the body, which makes hay fever symptoms worse.

Drinking alcohol can also worsen hay fever symptoms, such as a dry throat and nasal congestion, as it increases urine production and can lead to dehydration. In the long term, alcohol consumpton can suppress the immune system, making it less effective at dealing with hay fever.

Dr Missick said: "Avoiding alcoholic drinks can alleviate or reduce symptoms as alcohol consumption can add to the overall histamine load in the body, subsequently exacerbating hay fever symptoms."

He also advises people to eat spicy foods as a way to temporarily stop symptoms such as a runny nose. The spice can help to thin mucus and alleviate symptoms.

However, Dr Missick says that this is not a long-term cure. It is also not a solution for everyone as some sufferers find that spicy foods actually make their hay fever symptoms worse.

Dr Missick said: "Consuming spicy food can temporarily relieve hay fever symptoms like nasal congestion or a runny nose by helping to thin the mucus, although this is not a long-term cure."