We’re in the midst of peak pollen season, and if you experience hay fever, you’re likely feeling the effects. Hay fever is an allergic reaction to environmental substances such as pollen, dust mites, mould or animal hair. It’s very common, affecting around one in five adults in Australia, and is often worse in spring and summer because of the increase in pollen in the air [1].
What causes hay fever?
Hay fever occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies harmless substances in the air as threats. In response, it tries to protect the body, causing hay fever symptoms like a runny nose, itchy eyes or throat, and sneezing.
What is the difference between hay fever and a cold?
Hay fever and cold symptoms can be quite similar, but there are a few key differences that will help you identify what you’re experiencing and how to treat it.
- Hay fever makes the eyes itchy and watery, while the common cold does not affect the eyes.
- Hay fever does not cause a fever, however the common cold might.
- Hay fever generally only lasts as long as you’re exposed to the allergen, and the common cold can last days [2].
How to treat hay fever:
Most people can manage hay fever at home, with the help of a few handy products from their local pharmacy.
Something simple like a nasal spray, such as the Nasonex Allergy Spray, is clinically proven to treat and prevent hay fever symptoms. [3,4] It’s also convenient to use, only requiring a once daily dose for 24-hour, non-drowsy effectiveness.
Nasonex Allergy's direct anti-inflammatory action works inside the nasal passages to treat and prevent allergy symptoms including nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes, watery eyes and an itchy and runny nose.
Other helpful tips include:
1) Identifying the allergens that trigger your hay fever and doing your best to avoid them.
2) Shower after arriving home from being outside.
3) Keep your windows closed when at home or in the car to reduce exposure to potential allergens in the air.
4) Use a damp cloth to keep the surfaces of your house free from dust.
5) Don’t keep pot plants inside to reduce the risk of mould [1].
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, you can always chat to your local Blooms The Chemist Pharmacist.
References:
- Health Direct - Hay fever (allergic rhinitis). Available at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hay-fever. Accessed October 2025.
- My hay fever - Do I have hay fever or a cold? Available at: https://www.myhayfever.com.au/en-au/hayfever/other-conditions/do-you-have-hayfever-or-a-cold. Accessed October 2025.
- Penagos M, et al. Allergy 2008 63:1280-1291.
- Graft D, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1996 98:724-31.