London has suffered the worst hay fever outbreak in the country for the last two weeks, a survey of GPs revealed today.
Asthma rates were also the highest nationally last week as the soaring heat and pollen count caused misery for sufferers, many of whom are affected by both conditions.
The Royal College of GPs’ weekly respiratory disease report said there were 107.8 cases of allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, reported to GPs in London for every 100,000 people. This was down from the previous week, when a rate of 137.6 was the highest in the country this year, but still well above the national average of 78.4.
Across the country, problems were said to be most acute in children aged five to 14 — with cases more than double the national average — and people aged 15 to 24.
Asthma levels in London increased from 11.4 to 14.9 per 100,000 over the last two weeks of June, against a nationwide drop to an average of 11.5.
The College of GPs said hay fever rates are “ levelling off, so we hope the worst is over”. But breathing problems are due to continue over the weekend, with “very high” pollen levels forecast in the capital until Tuesday.
Temperatures will hit 28C tomorrow and 25C on Sunday but fall slightly next week, with showers forecast for Tuesday.
