Hay fever

Common symptoms

• Sneezing and coughing
• A runny or blocked nose
• Itchy, red or watering eyes
• An itchy throat, mouth, nose or ears
• A reduced sense of smell
• Pain around the temples or forehead, headache and earache
• Feeling tired

Is it hay fever or a cold?

A cold usually clears within a week or two and can bring a high temperature and aches. Hay fever does not cause a high temperature, often includes itchy eyes, and carries on for as long as you are exposed to pollen — often weeks.

Reducing your exposure to pollen

• Check the pollen forecast, and plan around high-pollen days.
• Shower and change your clothes after being outdoors, and wash your hair.
• Keep windows closed when pollen is high — usually early morning and early evening.
• Wear wraparound sunglasses to keep pollen out of your eyes.
• Put a small amount of petroleum jelly around your nostrils to trap pollen.
• Dry washing indoors rather than outside.
• Vacuum regularly and damp-dust surfaces. Wipe pets after they have been outdoors.
• Avoid cut grass, and avoid smoking and smoky places.

Treatments a pharmacist can recommend

There are several effective medicines available from a pharmacy without a prescription. The right one depends on your symptoms, your age and your other medicines.

• Antihistamine tablets or liquids, which relieve sneezing, itching and runny nose. Non-drowsy or low-drowsiness types are usually the first choice. Older types can make you sleepy.
• Steroid nasal sprays, which help with a blocked nose and other nasal symptoms. They work best when used regularly, and ideally started a week or two before your usual hay fever season.
• Antihistamine or other eye drops for itchy, watery eyes.
• Short-term decongestant sprays for a blocked nose. These should not be used for more than a few days at a time.

How PRX Pharmacy can help

You do not need an appointment — pop into any of our branches and talk to a pharmacist. Tell us about your symptoms, any other medicines you take, whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and any health conditions such as asthma, glaucoma or heart problems, so we can recommend something safe and effective. We can also advise on treatment for children.