You don't get much ickler than pollen, the grains of plants and flowers that can trigger horrific allergies in people during the warmer months of the year, commonly known as 'hay fever' - running nose, sneezing, red eyes and irritability all being common symptoms. Famous   sufferers include Neil Hannon of the Divine Comedy, and, erm, me. Non-suffers tend to treat their pollen-plagued chums with unsympathetic dismissal - before being covered in an almighty shower of spit and snot. If you suffer from pollen allergies, head for the beach, or sit in a cold room with a wet flannel on your face. It won't help, but it'll feel like you're doing something. PT

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