Hay Fever & Allergies

No, the hay fever injection is not available on the NHS as it suppresses your immune system and is deemed to be high risk.

Yes, some people suffer from hay fever symptoms in the winter. Symptoms are not caused by pollen and are usually caused by dust mites.

There is no treatment that can be pinpointed as the best, or strongest hay fever treatment. Fexofenadine appears to be the most popular treatment, however, what works for some, may not work for others.

Yes, you can get hay fever symptoms at night. During the day, warm air rises, carrying pollen. Air cools down in the evenings, causing pollen to fall and cause symptoms at night.

Acrivastine, also known as Benadryl, is the fastest acting hay fever tablet. It works in as little as 15 minutes.

You should only take one tablet within 24 hours. Exceptions to this are the shorter acting drowsy tablets, which need to be taken 3-4 times a day.

You should avoid taking antihistamines during pregnancy, unless your doctor has advised otherwise.

Most antihistamines are safe to use whilst breastfeeding. You should check this with your doctor or pharmacist.

Non-drowsy antihistamines do not make you feel drowsy, tired, or fatigued. Hay fever can cause tiredness, so if you are taking an antihistamine and feel tired, it may be the effects of hay fever.

There are some tablets which are marketed as natural hay fever tablets, however, they lack scientific evidence.

Antihistamines usually start to work within one hour, however, it can take a few weeks of consistent use to feel the full effects.

Yes, you can safely use antihistamine tablets and nasal sprays together.

Yes, you can drink alcohol in moderation. Excess alcohol can make you feel very drowsy.

Yes, antihistamines are safe to use long term, and there are no known long-term side effects.

No, you should not give any human treatments to your dog, unless prescribed by a veterinary surgeon.

Yes, you should only take the prescribed dose. Taking more tablets than prescribed can be harmful to your health.

Yes, however, always check this with your pharmacist.