Hay Fever Symptoms:

In the spring and summer months, we not only get more sunlight and longer days… we also get Hay Fever Season! Hay fever is a common allergic reaction that gives us watery, itchy eyes, runny noses, and tickly throats. Don’t worry, we come bearing good news – we’re here to explain the most common hay fever symptoms and what causes them.

What Is Hay Fever And What Causes It?

As we mentioned above, hay fever is a common allergic reaction to pollen. It causes some symptoms that are similar to the common cold. However, unlike a cold, it isn’t caused by a virus. Instead, hay fever (also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis) occurs when the immune system mistakes harmless pollen for a threat.

To protect itself, the body produces antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) in response to this perceived threat, causing the release of inflammatory substances, such as histamine.

Histamine is largely what causes these irritating symptoms, hence why some of the treatments used to combat hay fever symptoms are called antihistamines!

What Are The Most Common Symptoms Of Hay Fever?

Hay fever symptoms can be irritating and make you feel a little under the weather (the last thing you want when you could be out, enjoying the summer sunshine!). Before we delve into how we can reduce them, let’s take a brief look at some of the most common symptoms.

If you suffer from allergic rhinitis, it’s likely that you will have experienced some of the following:

• Sneezing
• Runny or blocked nose
• Red, watery or itchy eyes
• Tickly or itchy throat
• Loss of smell
• Fatigue
• If you have asthma, your symptoms may flare up (you may experience more wheezing, coughing and breathlessness than usual)

Hay fever (symptoms triggered by exposure to pollen) is usually worse between late March and September, especially when it’s warm, humid and windy. Unfortunately, this is when the pollen count is at its highest… and when we want to enjoy the good weather!

Many hay fever symptoms are similar to those associated with the common cold. Therefore, it can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference. Here are some of the differences between the two, to help you differentiate between them.

Common Cold vs Hay Fever Symptoms

Symptom	Cold	Allergy
Cough	Usually	Sometimes
General aches & pains	Sometimes	Never
Tiredness & weakness	Sometimes	Never
Itchy eyes	Rarely	Usually
Sneezing	Usually	Usually
Sore throat	Usually	Rarely
Runny nose	Usually	Usually
Stuffy nose	Usually	Usually
Fever	Sometimes	Never

Onset

As allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction, you can experience symptoms immediately or very soon after exposure to the trigger. For instance, you may start to feel your eyes becoming itchy or your nose will start to run shortly after coming into contact with pollen.

In contrast, you will only start to experience cold symptoms one to three days after you have been exposed to a cold virus.

Duration

Luckily (or sometimes unluckily), hay fever symptoms will only last as long as you as exposed to allergens. When you are indoors (where there is less exposure to pollen) or the pollen count drops, symptoms should start to ease. However, pollen can sticks to hair and clothing. So, if you are returning indoors, having been outside, you could still be exposed. We recommend taking a shower, washing your hair, and putting on a fresh set of clothes. Conversely, cold symptoms tend to last three to seven days.

Anithistamine Hay Fever Treatments Can Help Reduce Symptoms

Don’t let hay fever symptoms ruin your summer fun! You can request a prescription for Hay Fever Treatment through our online prescription service for just €25.

All you need to do is fill in a short and secure questionnaire and we’ll do the rest – there’s no need to make an appointment with a GP. Once one of our Irish-registered doctors has reviewed your request (to make sure this treatment is medically safe and suitable for you), we will send your prescription directly to an Irish pharmacy of your choice using secure Healthmail.

You can also make an appointment to speak directly to one of our experienced GPs via online video consultation if you have any questions about our Hay Fever Treatment options.