Medically reviewed by Hajra Dhanchora, MPharm (GPhC 2216990) · Last reviewed August 2026
Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen that tends to strike in spring and summer. It's very common and, while there's no permanent cure, the right combination of treatment and a few practical habits can keep symptoms well under control. This guide explains what's happening, how to get relief quickly, and how to choose between tablets, sprays and drops.
What is hay fever and what causes it?
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) happens when your immune system mistakes harmless pollen for a threat and releases histamine, which triggers the familiar symptoms. Common ones include sneezing, an itchy or runny nose, and itchy, red or watery eyes. It can also cause less obvious problems — a cough or sore throat from post-nasal drip, headaches, and feeling tired or run-down because your sleep and concentration take a hit.
When is hay fever season?
It depends on which pollen you react to:
- Tree pollen — late March to mid-May.
- Grass pollen — mid-May to July (this affects the most people).
- Weed pollen — late June to September.
Checking the daily pollen forecast helps you plan ahead and start treatment before a high-pollen spell.
How to ease hay fever quickly
If symptoms have already flared, these steps help you feel better sooner:
- Take an antihistamine (see below) to calm sneezing, itching and a runny nose.
- Dab a small amount of petroleum jelly around your nostrils to trap pollen before you breathe it in.
- Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors to keep pollen out of your eyes.
- Shower and change your clothes after being outside to wash pollen off.
- Keep windows shut when the pollen count is high, and avoid drying washing outdoors.
Antihistamines: tablets for everyday relief
Antihistamine tablets are a common first choice for sneezing, itching and a runny nose. Non-drowsy options such as cetirizine and loratadine suit most people and can be taken once a day, though a small number of people still find them mildly sedating. Older antihistamines like chlorphenamine work but are more likely to cause drowsiness, so they're not ideal if you need to drive or concentrate.
Nasal sprays and eye drops: targeted relief
Steroid nasal sprays (such as beclometasone or fluticasone) are very effective for a blocked or runny nose. They work best when you start them a week or two before your symptoms usually begin and keep using them regularly, rather than only on bad days. Antihistamine eye drops are the go-to for itchy, watery eyes. Many people get the best results by combining a daily antihistamine tablet with a steroid nasal spray and, if needed, eye drops. You'll find all three in our Allergy & Hayfever range.
Can hay fever be cured permanently?
There's no permanent cure, but most people manage their symptoms well with the treatments above. For severe hay fever that doesn't respond to usual treatment, a GP can assess whether immunotherapy (gradually building tolerance to a specific pollen) might be an option. For nearly everyone, though, a good daily routine through the season is enough.
How long does hay fever last?
Unlike a cold, hay fever isn't an infection and won't simply pass in a week — it lasts as long as you're exposed to the pollen you react to, which can be weeks or months across the season. That's why a steady, preventive approach works better than waiting for a bad day.
When to ask your pharmacist
Our pharmacist can help you choose the most suitable option, particularly if you:
- are pregnant or breastfeeding;
- take other medicines or have another health condition;
- have asthma that seems worse in pollen season;
- aren't getting relief despite regular treatment.
If your symptoms still aren't settling, or hay fever is affecting your sleep, work or breathing, see your GP.
Common questions
Does hay fever make you tired? It can — disturbed sleep and the body's allergic response often leave people feeling drained. Good symptom control usually helps.
Can hay fever cause a cough or sore throat? Yes. Mucus dripping down the back of the throat (post-nasal drip) can cause both.
Is hay fever contagious? No — it's an allergic reaction, so you can't catch it or pass it on.
Can you suddenly develop hay fever as an adult? Yes, hay fever can start at any age, even if you've never had it before.
Not sure which combination is right for you? Our GPhC-registered pharmacists can help — visit Talk to a Pharmacist.
This article is general information and is not a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. If your symptoms are severe or not improving, please speak to your pharmacist or GP.