Article: Hay fever epidemic; Why the city is in the grip of spring misery.

Byline: PAT HAGAN

SALES of hay fever medicines in London have soared in recent weeks because of an earlier than expected outbreak of runny noses, itchy eyes and persistent sneezing.

The premature arrival of the dreaded hay fever season has been blamed by experts on a combination of unusual weather patterns. Pollen counts have been high because of unseasonally warm weather and plenty of sunshine.

"In the past three weeks sales of hay fever treatments have more than doubled because of high levels of birch tree pollen," said Maeve O'Connell, pharmacist at Boots' Liverpool Street station branch.

But what is it about life in the capital ...

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