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Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a common condition that is caused by an allergic reaction to pollen. You can also have allergic rhinitis caused by other airborne substances, such as dust. The symptoms are similar to the flu or a cold, and can include a runny nose, itchy eyes, coughing, and sneezing.

What is the difference between a cold and hay fever?

While hay fever and a cold share a lot of the same symptoms, they are very different conditions. Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen, while a cold is caused by a virus. A cold is also a lot shorter lived, usually lasting up to 2 weeks. Hay fever lasts as long as the substances triggering the allergic reaction are present, which is worse during pollen season.

There are some telltale symptoms that can help you figure out whether you’ve got hay fever or a cold. If you are feeling fatigued, have muscle aches, or are feverish, you probably have a cold. These symptoms are common with a cold, but rare when you are experiencing hay fever. If you have itchy eyes and skin, then it is more likely to be hay fever.

Common symptoms of hay fever include:

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Itchy throat
• Loss of smell
• Headache

Uncommon symptoms of hay fever include:

• Facial pain or pressure
• Sore throat
• Dark circles under the eyes (allergic shiners)
• Hives or skin rash
• Shortness of breath

Rare symptoms of hay fever include:

• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
• Sinus infections
• Ear infections
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Difficulty sleeping

Hay fever symptoms are different for everyone, so you may only have 1 or 2 symptoms from this list, or you may have many. This depends on the severity of your allergy.

The most common cause of hay fever is grass pollen. Around 20% of adults in the UK have hay fever, and around 90% of those with hay fever are triggered by grass pollen. Grass pollen season runs from mid-March to July, which is the peak of hay fever season.

The telltale symptoms of hay fever are a blocked or runny nose, watery and itchy eyes, an itchy feeling in the throat, and a loss of smell. If you have any or all of these symptoms during pollen season, then it is likely that you have hay fever.

While there is no cure for hay fever, there are a number of different treatments that can help manage the symptoms. Common treatments for hay fever are known as antihistamines, which block the histamine response which causes the symptoms of hay fever. Antihistamines commonly come as tablets, nasal sprays, and eye drops. If antihistamines aren’t working or you have more severe nasal symptoms, a corticosteroid nasal spray may be recommended.

Hay fever tablets (antihistamines)

Hay fever tablets (allergy tablets) are usually taken once daily, in the morning, and protect you from hay fever symptoms for 24 hours. They are effective in reducing inflammation caused by hay fever, and typically start working in 1-3 hours.

Prescription hay fever tablets include:

• Fexofenadine 180 mg tablets
• Neoclarityn 5mg tablets

There are also over the counter hay fever treatments available that you can get at your local pharmacy or in some supermarkets.

Eye drops for hay fever are used to relieve symptoms such as itchiness, redness, or watery eyes. Some eye drops are fast acting, and relieve symptoms in minutes. Some are designed for long term use, and should be used for 1-2 weeks before you think you’ll start having symptoms. They are usually applied twice daily, with one drop into each eye. Hay fever eye drops are usually found over the counter.

Hay fever injections are steroid injections that work by temporarily suppressing the body’s immune system, so it doesn’t trigger an allergic reaction in response to pollen. Hay fever injections are usually injected into the buttocks, and protect you from hay fever for 2 -10 weeks.

You can only get an injection for hay fever privately, as the NHS does not prescribe them anymore. You can find them under the branded name Kenalog.

There’s no specific length of time that hay fever lasts, as it depends on the severity of your allergy, how much pollen is in the air, and the type of pollen you are allergic to.

The longest lasting trigger of hay fever is tree pollen, which can start in February and last all the way until June. If you are allergic to grass and weed pollens, this is usually at its worst in the summer months. Grass pollen season is from mid-May until July, while weed pollen season is from late June until early September. Grass pollen is the most common allergy, which is why most people’s hay fever gets worse in spring and early summer.

What is the most effective treatment for hay fever?

The most effective treatment for hay fever depends on the severity and nature of your symptoms. Tablets are good for all-round protection against hay fever, and will prevent and relieve symptoms for 24 hours. Eye drops are best if you have eye-related symptoms, such as red or itchy eyes. Nasal sprays are a better option if you find your nose and throat get itchy or sore when you have hay fever, but are also recommended first-line for anyone with moderate or severe symptoms.

Hay fever injections are a long term-treatment option, as they can last for up to 10 weeks. However, some people may feel uncomfortable getting an injection and they are typically more expensive than other treatment options.

You can get prescription hay fever medication through private healthcare services or the NHS.

You can buy prescription hay fever medication quickly and easily through services such as ASDA online doctor. All you need to do is fill out a short questionnaire about your health, and our team of doctors will assess your answers to see if prescription hay fever medication is right for you. If it is safe and appropriate to prescribe this medication it will be delivered to an address of your choice, or made available for collection from your local ASDA pharmacy.

To get prescription hay fever medication on the NHS, you’ll need to make an appointment with your GP. They will assess your health and your symptoms, and in some cases may refer you to a specialist. The NHS will usually only prescribe hay fever treatments in severe cases, and in most cases will advise you to get it from a local pharmacy.

Can you buy over the counter hay fever medication?

Yes, you can get a range of hay fever treatments over the counter from most pharmacies and supermarkets. These medications are usually less effective than prescription medications, but work for most mild cases of hay fever, especially if taken as a tablet and nasal spray.

Like most medications, hay fever treatment can cause some side effects. These side effects are usually mild and short lasting, and will go away on their own.

Common side effects of hay fever treatment include:

• Unpleasant smell or taste (Nasal sprays)
• Headaches
• Feeling tired
• Dry mouth
• Feeling sick
• Dizziness

Unfortunately there is no hay fever cure, so the best thing you can do is take efforts to avoid your triggers and take hay fever treatments to reduce your symptoms. This can provide the best hay fever relief.

The best ways to avoid or limit exposure to your triggers include:

• Keeping your windows shut during pollen season.
• Staying indoors as much as possible during pollen season.
• Staying away from spaces such as fields or gardens, which can expose you to pollen.
• Avoid gardening, especially cutting grass. Grass pollen is the most common hay fever trigger, so ask someone else to mow your garden if possible.
• Change and wash clothes often if you have been outside, as pollen can stick to your clothing.
• Rub vaseline on your nostrils to trap pollen.
• Shower regularly to get rid of pollen in your hair and on your skin.
• Wear wraparound sunglasses, which can protect your eyes from pollen.

Hay fever season in the UK occurs during spring and summer, as different types of pollen are released into the air. There are three types of pollen that most commonly trigger hay fever: tree pollen, grass pollen, and weed pollen.

It’s important to know which type of pollen you are allergic to, so you know when your hay fever symptoms will start. This will help you take precautions such as limiting exposure to your triggers, or taking medications to prevent hay fever symptoms.

Non-prescription hay fever treatments – most cases of hay fever can be treated with over the counter medications available at your local pharmacy or supermarket. Oral antihistamines like loratadine or cetirizine are widely available and affordable.

Natural remedies for hay fever

Natural hay fever remedies – there are some things you can do at home to help you relieve the symptoms of hay fever:

• A soothing honey and lemon tea can help with an itchy or sore throat.
• A cold compress can help with itchy or red eyes.
• Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water can help clear up a blocked nose.

The best hay fever medication for you will depend on your symptoms. If your symptoms mainly affect your nose and throat, such as a runny or blocked nose or a sore throat, then nasal sprays will likely be the best option for you. If your hay fever causes red, watery, or itchy eyes then eye drops can help relieve those symptoms. If you have milder symptoms then tablets will usually be enough to help protect you from hay fever.