A – Z of Illnesses & Conditions

Hay Fever: Hay Fever causes cold-like signs and symptoms such as a runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing and sinus pressure. But unlike a cold, hay fever is not caused by a virus.

Hay fever is caused by an allergic response to outdoor or indoor allergens such as pollen, dust mites or pet dander. Hay fever signs and symptoms usually start immediately after you are exposed to a specific allergy-causing substance (allergen).

•     wearing wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting in your eyes when you are outdoors
•     change your clothes and take a shower after being outdoors to remove the pollen on your body
•     try to stay indoors when the pollen count is high (over 50).

There is currently no cure for hay fever but most people are able to relieve symptoms with treatment, at least to a certain extent. You would normally only need to see your doctor if you are experiencing persistent complications of hay fever, such as worsening of asthma or repeated episodes of sinusitis.