Can you drive with hay fever or when you're sick?

Whichever season we're entering, there are likely to be some bugs around.

The warmer weather in summer is filled with road trips, festivals and opportunities to explore the great outdoors but is also hay fever season. The worst hay fever symptoms tend to appear when it’s warm, humid and windy as this is when pollen count is at its highest.

Winter, on the other hand, sees us heading right into cold and flu season with sniffles and tissues all around us.

Symptoms of cold, flu and hay fever can last for weeks or months and affect your driving, potentially leading to substantial fines and penalties.

Hay fever, colds and the law

Safe driving requires good reactions and concentration. Hay fever and cold symptoms can affect both of these skills and potentially make you feel drowsy. It’s important you read the information on your medication before driving, as they can vary in strength.

Try to take non-drowsy medication if you can and check with a doctor for any potential side effects before driving. Remember if your medication states ‘Do not operate heavy machinery’, this applies to cars.

You may struggle to drive in a straight line when you need to sneeze. According to The AA [1], if you sneeze while driving at 70mph, you’ll end up driving blind for 70 yards. This could be classed as ‘losing control of the car’, an offence with the following penalties:

• A fine of between £100 and £2,500
• 3 to 9 points on your licence

To stay safe on the road, it could be worth considering adding a driver to your car using temporary car insurance.

Available from one hour to 28 days, you can get them to give you a lift so you can sneeze without fear – and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your no claims bonus won’t be affected.

What is the limit for drug driving in the UK?

The Road Traffic Act 1988 prohibits driving under the influence of drugs that impair your driving ability. This includes decreased concentration and fatigue – both side effects of hay fever medication.

• The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents [2] estimates that driver fatigue may be a contributory factor in up to 20% of road accidents, and up to 25% of fatal and serious accidents.

UK laws around drug driving [3] don’t distinguish between illicit drugs, over the counter and prescribed medication. If you’re found guilty of drug driving due to losing control of your vehicle, you could face the following penalties:

• A one-year driving ban
• An unlimited fine
• Up to six months in prison
• A criminal record

The conviction will appear on your licence for 11 years, which could increase your annual insurance premium.

Although it’s tempting, you should avoid driving when you’re unwell as you can be a danger to yourself and other road users. If you’re experiencing severe symptoms such as blurred vision, persistent dizziness, or extreme fatigue, it’s best not to drive.

Consider alternative transportation or wait until your symptoms improve. Even mild illnesses can have a negative effect on your driving.

If you do feel well enough to drive, despite your hay fever symptoms, it may be worth stocking up your car with the following:

• Tissues
• Extra medication
• Plenty of drink
• Eye drops

In the summer you could also wear sunglasses (but not when it’s dark) to help keep pollen out of your eyes. If hay fever symptoms come on suddenly while you’re driving, slow down and pull over as soon as you get to a safe space.

You can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell the DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving. While hay fever and a cold are not amongst the conditions you have to report, they are still worth bearing in mind.

Practical tips for driving with hay fever

• Keep your car well maintained and free from pollen. The NHS recommends using a pollen filter in the air vents of your car. Readily available, this affordable tool has an activated carbon layer that absorbs hay fever allergens and odours in the vehicle.
• Plan your journey appropriately. Check the five-day forecast for high pollen counts and make sure you have enough medication, rearrange your journey to avoid the times when it is highest.
• Keep your car clean. Vacuum the carpets, mats and upholstery on a regular basis.

What are the main hay fever symptoms?

According to The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation [4], an estimated 16 million people suffer from hay fever in Britain. That’s one in four people and the number tends to rise year on year. Below are some of the symptoms:

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Itchy eyes
• Itchy throat
• Itchy mouth
• Itchy nose
• Itchy ears
• Headaches
• Tiredness
• Pain around the head and forehead
• Loss of smell

The Met Office [5] states that tree pollen occurs first, typically from late March to mid-May, with grass pollen lasting from mid-May through July. Weed pollen can also be released at any time but the season typically covers the end of June through to September.

NHS tips for managing hay fever

The NHS advises the following to help deal with hay fever:

• Use petroleum jelly such as Vaseline around the nostrils to trap pollen
• Wear sunglasses, a mask or wide-brimmed hat to stop pollen getting into your eyes
• Shower or change your clothes after going outside
• Keep your windows and doors closed (including in your car)
• Vacuum all surfaces and dust them with a damp cloth

What are the main symptoms of a common cold?

The NHS states common cold symptoms gradually come on over 2 to 3 days and can include:

• A blocked or runny nose
• Sneezing
• A sore throat
• A hoarse voice
• A cough
• Feeling tired and unwell
• A high temperature
• Aching muscles
• A loss of taste and smell
• A feeling of pressure in your ears and face

How can you treat a cold?

• Enjoy plenty of rest
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
• Eat healthier food
• Soothe a sore throat
• Have a hot, steamy shower

Staying safe this sneezy season

While temporary car insurance allows someone else to drive, there are other alternatives to get where you need to go.

You could grab a lift with someone in their car, get some fresh air and exercise by walking to your destination if it is nearby (if you feel comfortable enough with your symptoms) or use public transport.

The most important thing is to keep you and other road users safe.