10 Ways to Prevent & Improve Hay Fever

Table of Contents

• Ten Things you can do to Prevent and Improve Hay Fever
• How Do You Know If You Have Hay Fever?
• Hay Fever Symptoms
• When is Hay Fever Season?

Ten Things you can do to Prevent and Improve Hay Fever

1. Antihistamines

Antihistamines work to block the release of histamine, a chemical produced by the immune system in reaction to an allergen. It effectively reduces inflammation and relieves signs of hay fever such as sneezing, runny nose, hives, and inflammation.  

There are different types of antihistamines to choose from. Popular non-drowsy hay fever medications such as Cetirizine and Loratadine offer rapid relief and start to work in as soon as 20 minutes and do not cause drowsiness, which can be beneficial for people who need to take medication during the day.  

If you require a strong non-drowsy antihistamine, Fexofenadine is available in 120mg and 180mg strengths. It treats severe hay fever symptoms, as well as hives, a hay fever rash that causes itchy, raised welts on the skin. 

2. Monitor Pollen Counts

You can typically see pollen forecasts for 5 days ahead on weather and allergy apps, which gives you ample time to plan and prepare for hay fever.  

Different types of pollen are released throughout the year; therefore, it's good to be aware of the type of pollen you have an allergy to.   

• Tree pollen - March to mid-May (affects around 25% of people) 
• Grass - Mid-May until July (typically has two peaks) 
• Weeds - End of June to September 

3. Close Windows and Doors

During high pollen counts, closing all windows and doors throughout the day and overnight can help stop pollen from entering your home. Pollen is usually at its highest in the morning and evening, and its microscopic size makes it challenging to see with the naked eye. If you do need to open windows and doors, try to stick to times outside of the peak to minimise your exposure.  

4. Nasal Spray

Nasal sprays are powerful topical hay fever medications that target swelling and irritation in the nasal passage. 

Beconase is an affordable treatment that offers double the amount of the over-the-counter version, targeting itchy, watery eyes and a blocked or runny nose. Dymista combines an antihistamine, which reduces allergy symptoms, with an anti-inflammatory steroid that helps to bring down inflammation in the nose, eyes, throat and sinuses.  

Another effective steroid treatment is Nasonex, which works within 12 hours. It is available on prescription and used to treat symptoms of hay fever, as well as nasal polyps, which cause soft growths in the nose. 

5. Drink Nettle Tea

Nettle is a perennial medicinal plant that is known to have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A study looking into the effects of nettle being used as treatment for allergic rhinitis found a significant decrease in symptom severity after treatment with nettle. The anti-inflammatory property acts as a natural antihistamine, blocking the chemicals that cause an allergic reaction.  

6. Use an Air Purifier

Purifiers use advanced technology to catch pollen and remove it from the air, helping to improve the quality of your sleep. Hay fever can be particularly bothersome at bedtime when the body naturally releases histamine as part of the circadian rhythm, and congestion is increased due to the lying position. You can reduce the severity of this by using an air purifier in your bedroom to trap pollen particles and clear the air. 

7. Wear Sunglasses Outdoors

It's harder to control pollen exposure when outdoors, but you can take steps to help minimise your contact with it. Sunglasses help to shield your eyes from outdoor exposure, blocking any pollen from making contact. Wraparound sunglasses are a protective style that offer full coverage. 

8. Apply Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly is a popular over-the-counter cosmetic treatment known for minimising friction and reducing moisture loss. Yet, this formulation can also be used as a preventative home remedy for hay fever. Applying a thin layer to your nostrils can help to trap pollen, preventing it from traveling through your nose.  

9. Shower and Change Clothes After Being Outside

Pollen easily clings to fabrics, hair, and skin, and you can unknowingly bring it inside your home. To minimise your risk of exposure, remove all your clothing once you’re inside and have a shower to help wash it away. You should also wash your hair to get rid of any pollen trapped in your strands.

10. Avoid Allergy-Triggering Activities

To reduce allergies, try and avoid activities that can increase your likelihood of contact with pollen, for example, gardening. Instead, plan outdoor activities outside of peak pollen count times and be aware of the type of pollen you are allergic to so you can adjust your activities throughout the spring and summer months.  

How Do You Know If You Have Hay Fever?

When it comes to seasonal allergies, one of the most common queries is "What does hay fever feel like?".  

Symptoms can be confused with the common cold as they are similar, such as congestion, an itchy throat, and fatigue. However, hay fever typically lasts for a longer period, versus a cold, which usually lasts for a week or so.  

One way to differentiate between the two is to keep in mind that hay fever symptoms are usually prevalent at a specific time of the year, whilst colds usually happen all year round.  

Hay Fever Symptoms

Hay fever symptoms in adults include: 

• Sneezing  
• Sore eyes which are red, itchy and watery  
• Coughing 
• A stuffy or runny nose 
• Itching sensation in throat, nose, mouth and ears 
• Headache  
• Loss of smell 
• Fatigue 
• Pain around the temple and forehead 

For hay fever symptoms in children:

Most symptoms are like what adults experience, although the severity can be more varied in children. Allergens to pollen typically start around 2 years of age. If a fever is present (a high temperature of 38°C or more), it could indicate that the child has a cold and not hay fever, which is easily confused because the symptoms are similar.  

It’s important to familiarise yourself with hay fever symptoms so you can successfully manage them with the right type of hay fever medication. 

When is Hay Fever Season?

Hay fever season in the UK starts around late March and continues until September. Some people are allergic to a specific type of pollen, which is only released for a couple of months. For example, tree pollen starts in early spring and ends in late spring. Therefore, you can prevent symptoms by planning ahead and planning outdoor activities outside of high pollen count periods. 

Sources

• National Library of Medicine (2017). Efficacy of Supportive Therapy of Allergic Rhinitis by Stinging Nettle. Retrieved 27th January 2025, from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5963652/ 

Whilst all of our content is written and reviewed by healthcare professionals, it is not intended to be substituted for or used as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.