Zion Williamson had 12 points, five rebounds and five assists in 16 minutes during the Orlando Magic’s 122-105 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans in the preseason opener for both clubs on Tuesday night

A runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing – whatever your hay fever symptoms, it’s no surprise if you’ve had a flare-up recently. During spring, both tree and grass pollen is released into the air. If you’re allergic to the proteins they contain, your nose, eyes, throat and sinuses can become swollen, irritated and inflamed. “Many people are suffering from hay fever just now because the pollen count is high, thanks in part to climate change,” says Dr Nisa Aslam, GP from Typharm’s Skin Life Sciences Foundation. “Plus the pollen season is getting longer.” The immune function plays an important role in an allergic reactions, she explains. “People who suffer from hay fever often have a family history of not just hay fever, but also skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, which can often be borne out of problems with the immune system.” The weather can also be a contributing factor in how badly you’re affected. “Some hay fever sufferers may be experiencing a sudden spike in their symptoms a bit earlier than usual, this may be due to the recent prolonged wet and windy weather,” says Claire Nevinson, superintendent pharmacist at Boots. “On a daily basis, rainfall tends to decrease pollen, but over a period of months, intermittent wet days tend to produce a more severe hay fever season overall.” Conditions could be about to get even worse. A recent study by the University of Worcester, published in the Science of The Total Environment journal, warned that it could be one of the worst seasons for birch pollen on record. The severity is due to two things. “Firstly, higher than average temperatures last June, when the pollen is produced, allowed greater potential for high pollen levels,” says Dr Beverley Adams-Groom, senior pollen forecaster at the university. “Secondly, birch trees have a biennial pattern of pollen production, one mild year and one severe year, and this year was already expected to be a high year.” So what can you do if your hay fever is much worse than usual at the moment? The first step is to avoid exposure to the pollen that affects you the most. “Allergens responsible for hay fever include grass pollens and tree pollens [spring and summer], weed pollens and fungal mould spores,” says Dr Aslam. “Watch the daily pollen forecasts. Don’t go outside when the pollen count is high and keep all windows shut.” Preventive medicines can help to reduce symptoms if you know in advance when you’re going to be exposed to pollen. “This can be a steroid nasal spray one to two weeks before symptoms start,” says Dr Aslam. Alternatively, natural nasal sprays “can help to prevent the symptoms of hayfever and other types of allergic rhinitis by forming a protective film in our inner nose, stopping allergens that we breathe in from trying to enter our respiratory system”, she says. Similarly, ointments like Vaseline can act as a pollen trap. “Apply a barrier balm of petroleum jelly around your nose to trap the pollen and help relieve dry and uncomfortable skin from repetitive nose blowing,” Ms Nevinson says. “Shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to wash pollen off and wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes.” Read More Seasonal allergies tips and tricks as pollen count rises What is the link between pollen and eye infections? Hay fever may be mistaken for Covid, warns expert Why do heatwaves in the UK feel hotter than abroad? The startling and grim discoveries unearthed by the climate crisis Earth’s CO2 hits highest recorded level in human history

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F1 Drive, the new in-stadium karting facility at the 60,000-capacity Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, have unveiled their bespoke karts ahead of the grand opening next year. The new state-of-the-art facility below the South Stand at Tottenham is the epicentre for a 15-year strategic partnership between the club and Formula 1. Now, F1 Drive have revealed several features on the karts to “create the most authentic F1 driving experience for drivers of all ages and ability levels.” These include a simulated “DRS” button on the steering wheel, allowing a kart to pick up more speed when following close behind a kart in front – just like in Formula 1. Karts will also feature a “boost” button which will deliver additional power for short bursts of time. Karts will also have immersive audio with sound effects taken from the cars of Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, as well as commentary and tips from David Croft and Naomi Schiff. Steering wheels will have an 18cm LED display, providing real-time data such as lap times and flags to drivers, while the timing screens will match official F1 broadcast graphics. There will also be separate tracks for adults and juniors and the offering of dual karts to cater for accessibility requirements. F1 director of commercial partnerships Jonny Haworth said: “We wanted to create a karting experience that truly captures the feeling and atmosphere of Formula 1 and offers an accessible entry point to our sport for as many people as possible and F1 Drive-London is going to deliver on this vision and more.” The karts will have four different liveries and come in two sizes, with modifications possible depending on age and skill level. “Whether you are just starting out on your motorsport journey with your eyes set on the F1 Grid or are looking for a great day out with family and friends, F1 Drive-London can deliver an authentic F1 experience for all,” Haworth added. “I am excited to see the karts launch and track testing begin, and I can’t wait to see our fans hitting the track in the new year.” Tottenham Hotspur chief commercial officer added: “We can’t wait to welcome visitors to the world’s first Formula 1® karting facility here in Tottenham. “It will be another attraction at our world-class stadium and will act as an innovative gateway into motorsport for new fans looking to discover the thrill of Formula 1®, while giving the most passionate race fans a truly first-of-its-kind experience.” While an official opening date has not yet been released, the facility is expected to open in early 2024. The facility is expected to host future national karting championship races, having been accredited by the National Karting Association. A driver academy programme will also be launched. As well as NFL matches, boxing fights and music concerts, the karting track is another attraction to grace the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium which includes the ‘Dare Skywalk’ at the top of the stadium. Read More Lewis Hamilton: ‘I had asked Mercedes for changes and they weren’t done’ Verstappen rewrote history books in 2023 – but his dominance stretches way beyond F1 When does the 2024 F1 season start? F1 2023 official calendar: All 23 Grand Prix this year F1 Juniors broadcast an admirable idea – but all kids want to be is grown up Walking with the stars: Inside the white lines of the Las Vegas Grand Prix grid

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