Hay Fever in the UK: Symptoms, Treatment & Online Doctor
Educational information — not medical advice.
This article was prepared by the OnlineDoctor24 editorial team and reviewed for factual accuracy against UK clinical guidance (NHS and NICE). It is not written by a doctor and does not replace personal medical advice. For symptoms specific to you, book an online doctor consultation.
Key points
- Hay fever is an allergy to pollen — tree pollen in spring, grass in early summer, weeds in late summer.
- First line: a non-drowsy antihistamine (e.g. loratadine, cetirizine) plus a steroid nasal spray.
- Combination sprays like Dymista (azelastine + fluticasone) are very effective and prescription-only.
- An online GP can issue stronger prescription treatment when over-the-counter options fail.
- Avoid pollen peaks (early morning, evening), shower after being outside, and keep windows shut on high-pollen days.
What is hay fever?
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) affects roughly 1 in 4 people in the UK. The immune system reacts to harmless pollen as if it were a threat, releasing histamine which causes the familiar itchy, sneezy, runny symptoms.
When is hay fever season in the UK?
- Tree pollen: late March to mid-May (birch is a big trigger).
- Grass pollen: mid-May to July — the most common UK trigger.
- Weed pollen: late June to September.
Symptoms
- Sneezing fits and runny nose
- Itchy, watery, red eyes
- Blocked nose
- Itchy throat, mouth and ears
- Loss of smell
- Tiredness, headaches and reduced concentration
Self-care
- Check the daily pollen forecast and stay indoors when high.
- Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors.
- Apply a balm (such as Vaseline) around the nostrils to trap pollen.
- Shower and change clothes after being outdoors.
- Keep windows shut early morning and evening.
- Avoid drying laundry outside on high-pollen days.
Treatment options
Step 1 — Over the counter
- Non-drowsy antihistamine tablets: cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine.
- Saline nasal sprays.
- Steroid nasal sprays (e.g. beclometasone, fluticasone) — start 2 weeks before peak season for best effect.
Step 2 — Prescription from an online doctor
- Dymista (azelastine + fluticasone) — combined antihistamine and steroid spray, more effective than either alone.
- Prescription-strength fexofenadine 180 mg.
- Antihistamine eye drops (olopatadine).
- Short course of oral steroids in severe, time-limited cases (e.g. exams, weddings).
When an online doctor can help
If self-care and over-the-counter treatment are not controlling your symptoms, an online GP can prescribe stronger options, advise on combinations, and review your asthma if you also have it (asthma often worsens during hay-fever season).
Frequently asked questions
Common questions UK patients ask about hay fever (allergic rhinitis).
How an online doctor can help
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This article is for general information only and does not replace personal medical advice from a qualified doctor. Content is reviewed against UK NHS and NICE guidance by the OnlineDoctor24 editorial team and is not authored by a medical doctor. If your symptoms worsen or you are unsure, please book a consultation with a GMC-registered GP.
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