This page summarises publicly available NHS information for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or a diagnosis. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
What is hay fever?
Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen from grass, trees, or weeds. It usually affects people during spring and summer when pollen counts are high. Symptoms include sneezing and coughing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy, red or watery eyes, an itchy throat or ears, loss of smell, and feeling tired. There is no cure for hay fever, but symptoms can be managed with pharmacy medicines and by reducing pollen exposure.
When NHS resources suggest seeing a GP
- Your symptoms are getting worse
- Your symptoms do not improve after trying pharmacy medicines
- Your symptoms affect your sleep, work, or daily life
- You have asthma and your hay fever is making it worse
- You have hay fever symptoms all year round (may be a different allergy)
Self-care information from NHS
- Put petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) around your nostrils to trap pollen
- Wear wraparound sunglasses, a mask, or a wide-brimmed hat outdoors
- Shower and change your clothes after being outside to wash pollen off
- Keep windows and doors shut, especially on high-pollen days
- Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth
- Check the pollen forecast and try to stay indoors when it is very high
Common questions
When is hay fever season in the UK?
Tree pollen season runs from late March to mid-May. Grass pollen (which affects most people with hay fever) peaks from mid-May to July. Weed pollen runs from late June to September. Timing varies by region and weather.
What's the best treatment for hay fever?
Antihistamine tablets, nasal sprays, and eye drops from a pharmacy are usually the first line of treatment. If pharmacy medicines don't work, a GP may prescribe stronger steroid nasal sprays or other treatments.
Can hay fever be cured?
There's no cure, but symptoms can often be well controlled with medicines and lifestyle changes. For severe hay fever that doesn't respond to treatment, immunotherapy (allergy shots or tablets) may be considered.
Can hay fever develop at any age?
Hay fever often starts in childhood or teenage years but can develop at any age. Some people find their symptoms get better or worse over time, or stop completely in older age.
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This page is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your individual situation. NorMed organises publicly available NHS information and is not affiliated with the NHS.