People up and down the country have been flocking to parks and beaches over the last few days as Britain basks in the unseasonably warm weather.

But unfortunately it won't be picnics in the park and weekends in the country for everybody this spring and summer.

The sight of blossom on the trees and flowers in bloom fills many people with dread. Spring for some simply means hay fever and all the bunged-up sniffles that go with it.

It's a surprisingly common problem - some 15 million Brits are affected by the condition, and, according to Professor Jean Emberlin from the University of Worcester's National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit, the numbers are rising.

"There has been a definite increase in people getting hay fever for the first time last year, with the pollen count being so exceptionally high," she said.

And this year is building up to be as pollen-heavy as last year, so it's important to be prepared earlier.

SYMPTOMS

* According to NHS Direct, common symptoms of hay fever include frequent sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy or watery eyes, and an itchy throat, mouth, nose or ears. In rarer cases, the effects can become more serious, and sufferers may experience loss of smell, face pain caused by blocked sinuses, sweats and headaches.

* Some people aren't even aware they are sufferers - the strength of symptoms varies from patient to patient and many people are more sensitive to one particular pollen compared with others.

* Sometimes a simple skin test is needed to find out exactly what you are reacting to, but normally hay fever is diagnosed solely on symptoms, and, thanks to its seasonal nature, is easily spotted. If you're at all unsure whether you have hay fever or not, go and see a doctor, especially if you have any history of asthma and eczema in your family.

TREATMENT

* Hay fever for most is more of a temporary nuisance than anything else and can normally be kept under control quite easily. Over-the-counter hay fever medicine is the biggest growing market in pharmacies, with more than £80 million sales in the past year in Britain alone, and there is a huge range to choose from.

* Antihistamine tablets are the most common and cheapest method of dealing with hay fever. They fight most of the symptoms, but generally do not help with nasal congestion or stuffiness. Tablets can cause drowsiness - those that don't tend to be less efficient and weaker. Antihistamine nasal sprays are also on sale for a quicker fix, and are available without prescription.

* There are also eye drops to relieve itching, and for more serious cases you can even get steroid injections that get rid of symptoms for a time, but this is normally only done at especially important times in life such as exam periods, and doesn't provide a permanent solution.

* Steroid drops and nasal sprays are more efficient than normal eye drops and antihistamine sprays, but tend to require use a few weeks before the hay fever season begins - regular use is necessary but also very expensive. Prescriptions aren't always needed, but the most useful brands do require them.

PREVENTION

* Keep an eye on the pollen count. Most weather services also watch the amount of pollen in the air and will tell you how good the day will be for those affected by the allergy.

* Large, wrap-around sunglasses will help prevent pollen reaching your eyes. And as it's summer, you won't look like a poser.

* Vacuum your home regularly with a hospital-grade vacuum cleaner, make sure there aren't any fresh flowers around and keep windows shut if possible.

* Smoking can irritate sufferers and aggravate symptoms. Pet hair can also be an irritant, so try to keep animals out of bedrooms.

* Unfortunately, avoiding parks and large grassy areas will help, and keep away from that lawnmower - get someone else to cut the grass for you!

* Be careful when driving. Excessive sneezing on the roads is a real danger - it forces drivers to shut their eyes and distracts them from the road.