Hay Fever Treatment
Get relief from itchy eyes, sneezing fits, and blocked sinuses with a range of effective hayfever treatments.
-
Choose from a range of both antihistamine tablets and nasal sprays.
-
Over-the-counter and prescription-only treatments available.
-
Get fast relief from symptoms, with treatments working in as little as 20 minutes and lasting up to 24 hours.
Hay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, is a common allergic reaction affecting around 26% of people. It’s triggered by an allergic reaction to pollen from grass, trees, or even weeds, usually during the spring and summer months. When you come into contact with pollen, your immune system can overreact, resulting in symptoms such as a runny or blocked nose, itchy eyes and throat, and sneezing.
Although hay fever can range from being mild to severe, there are a range of effective treatments available to help manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life. They include antihistamine tablets and nasal sprays to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages or relieve itching and irritation.
Requesting hay fever treatment is quick and easy with Superdrug Online Doctor. There’s no need for face-to-face appointments, simply complete an online health questionnaire for one of our registered doctors to review and choose your preferred treatment. Once approved, your order will be delivered to your address, or you can choose to collect it from your local Superdrug Pharmacy.
Medically reviewed by
Dr. IkejiLast reviewed: 05 Jun 2025
Available Treatments
Please check your spelling or try another treatment name.
Delivery Options
How it Works
About Hay Fever Treatment
What is hay fever?
Hay fever is the common name for seasonal allergic rhinitis, an allergic reaction that happens when the body’s immune system mistakes pollen for a harmful substance. Pollen is typically released into the air from grass and trees between March and September in the UK, triggering a range of symptoms in people who are sensitive to it.
Hay fever affects around 26% of adults in the UK, but a 2020 survey found that up to 49% of people experience hay fever symptoms. The severity can vary from day to day depending on pollen levels and weather conditions.
Although hay fever cannot be cured, treatments are available to help manage the symptoms and can make a big difference in your quality of life during allergy season.
What are the symptoms of hay fever?
Common hay fever symptoms include:
- sneezing and coughing
- a runny or blocked nose
- itchy, red, or watery eyes
- itchy throat, mouth, nose, or ears
- loss of smell
- pain around the sides of your head and forehead
- headache
- tiredness
Hay fever symptoms are usually worse between March and September, particularly when the weather is warm, windy, and humid. Most people experience mild symptoms that can be effectively managed with treatment.
How long do hay fever symptoms last?
Hay fever symptoms can last for weeks or months, particularly during the months when pollen counts are at their highest. This makes hay fever different from a cold, which usually lasts 1 to 2 weeks.
What causes hay fever?
Hay fever is caused by an allergic reaction to pollen, a fine powder released by plants, such as grass and trees, as part of their reproductive cycle. When someone with hay fever breathes in pollen, their immune system wrongly identifies it as a threat and overreacts by releasing histamine. This immune response is what triggers typical hay fever symptoms.
The timing and severity of your hay fever symptoms can vary depending on which type of pollen you are allergic to:
- tree pollen – from late March to mid-May
- grass pollen – mid-May until July
- weed pollen – end of June until September
Is hay fever hereditary?
Hay fever itself is not hereditary, but a tendency to develop allergies can run in families. If one or both of your parents have allergies or you inherit specific genetic risk factors from them, your chances of getting hay fever, asthma, or eczema are increased.
Diagnosing hay fever
Hay fever can often be diagnosed based on your symptoms and when they occur. If you find you are regularly sneezing, have a runny or blocked nose, or itchy eyes and throat during the spring and summer, your doctor may make a hay fever diagnosis through a simple discussion about your symptoms and medical history, and a physical examination.
In many cases, this information is enough to confirm hay fever, especially if its occurrence is linked to the times of year when pollen is at its highest.
However, if the cause of your symptoms is less obvious or you are not responding to standard hay fever treatments, you may need further tests. These may include:
- skin prick tests – a small amount of the allergen (pollen) is placed on your skin and then pricked through it with a small needle to check for a reaction (a small, itchy, red bump called a wheal should appear if you’re allergic)
- blood tests – a specific blood test that tests for immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies can help diagnose hay fever, as IgE is released in response to an allergic reaction
Hay fever treatments
Although hay fever cannot be cured, there are a wide range of treatments and self-care strategies you can try to manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life during the pollen season. The right treatment for you will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your daily activities.
Hay fever medication
Several types of hay fever medications are available to relieve symptoms. These include both over-the-counter and prescription-only options, and they’re available in various forms, such as tablets, eye drops, and nasal sprays. At Superdrug Online Doctor, we offer:
Daily tablets
The following tablets are antihistamines that are usually taken once a day and block the actions of histamine to relieve hay fever symptoms:
| Fexofenadine | Cetirizine | Loratadine | Desloratadine | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| Active ingredient | Fexofenadine hydrochloride | Cetirizine hydrochloride | Loratadine | Desloratadine |
| Effectiveness | Both fexofenadine doses were better than placebo for reducing hay fever symptoms | 26% greater reduction in hay fever symptom severity at 12 hours compared to fexofenadine | Reduces allergy symptoms significantly compared to placebo | Can effectively reduce allergy symptoms for up to 24 hours, with patients reporting significant improvements in symptoms compared to placebo |
| Availability | 120mg – over the counter
180mg – prescription-only |
Over the counter | Prescription-only | Prescription-only |
| Branded alternatives | Telfast | Benadryl Allergy, Piriteze Allergy, Zirtek | Clarityn | Neoclarityn |
Nasal sprays
Nasal sprays can contain corticosteroids and antihistamines to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and block the effects of histamine, providing effective hay fever relief.
| Avamys | Dymista | Flixonase | Nasonex | Ryaltris | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| Active ingredient | Corticosteroid – fluticasone furoate | Antihistamine – azelastine hydrochloride
Corticosteroid – fluticasone propionate |
Corticosteroid – fluticasone propionate | Corticosteroid – mometasone furoate | Antihistamine – olopatadine
Corticosteroid – mometasone furoate |
| Frequency | 2 sprays in each nostril once a day | 1 spray in each nostril in the morning and evening | 2 sprays in each nostril once a day, usually in the morning | 2 sprays in each nostril once per day | 2 sprays in each nostril, morning and evening |
| Effectiveness | Compared to placebo, Avamys improves nasal and eye symptoms for 24 hours | 50% reduction in symptom severity was achieved significantly earlier than with fluticasone propionate nasal spray alone | Research shows that fluticasone propionate nasal spray is more effective for nasal and ocular hay fever symptoms compared to budesonide | Nasonex improved hay fever symptoms within 12 hours in 28% of people | In 2 trials, Ryaltris improved nasal hay fever symptoms significantly compared to placebo and the active ingredients alone |
Lifestyle changes
Alongside medications, there are things you can do at home to help manage hay fever symptoms, such as:
- keeping windows and doors closed when pollen levels are high
- showering and washing your hair after being outdoors
- changing and washing your clothes after spending time outside
- dusting and vacuuming regularly using a HEPA-filter vacuum
- wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to keep pollen out of your eyes and hair
- avoiding hanging clothes out to dry when pollen counts are high
- using an air purifier to filter pollen and allergens indoors
- putting petroleum jelly around your nostrils to trap pollen
If you do get hay fever, it can help to avoid:
- cutting or walking on grass
- spending too much time outside when pollen levels are high
- keeping freshly cut flowers indoors
- smoking or being around smoke, as this can make your symptoms worse
Allergen immunotherapy
If you experience severe hay fever, allergen immunotherapy may be an option, especially if you have not responded to standard treatments. Immunotherapy, also known as allergy desensitisation, is a long-term treatment that aims to reduce the severity of hay fever symptoms by gradually exposing you to increasing doses of pollen. It works by helping your immune system to be less reactive to the allergen over time.
What is the best hay fever treatment?
The best hay fever treatment for you will depend on your symptoms and how they affect you. Many people choose non-drowsy antihistamine tablets for effective relief of mild symptoms, while others may benefit from steroid nasal sprays to help with congestion. More severe cases may require immunotherapy.
In all cases, making simple lifestyle changes can help reduce the severity of hay fever symptoms.
Can you cure hay fever?
No, hay fever cannot be cured or prevented, but it can often be well managed with the right combination of medication and lifestyle measures.
Side effects of hay fever medication
Like all medications, hay fever treatments can cause side effects. Usually, these are mild and manageable, but it's important to understand what to expect and how to reduce any discomfort you might experience. Side effects can vary depending on the form of medication you are using.
Side effects of antihistamine tablets
Common side effects of antihistamine tablets include:
- drowsiness or sleepiness
- dry mouth
- headaches
- dizziness
- feeling sick (nausea)
How to manage these side effects:
- choose non-drowsy antihistamines like cetirizine, loratadine, or fexofenadine if you need to stay alert
- take your tablets with food to avoid feeling sick
- drink plenty of clear fluids to stay hydrated and avoid a dry mouth
- avoid alcohol, which can increase the effects of drowsiness
- take over-the-counter painkillers to manage headaches
Side effects of nasal sprays
Some of the common side effects of hay fever nasal sprays include:
- dry or irritated nose
- sneezing
- nosebleeds
- headache
- unpleasant taste or smell
How to manage these side effects:
- aim the nozzle slightly away from the centre of the nose to reduce irritation and nosebleeds
- gently rinse your nose with saline spray if you get dryness or irritation
- take over-the-counter painkillers for symptoms like headaches
If you get a nosebleed, sit down, lean forward, keep your mouth open, and pinch your nose just above your nostrils for 10 to 15 minutes, and rest until your nosebleed has stopped.
Side effects of eye drops
Some of the common side effects of using eye drops to manage hay fever symptoms include:
- temporary stinging or burning after application
- temporary blurred vision
- dry or irritated eyes
How to manage these side effects:
- only apply eye drops as you have been instructed, and avoid touching the tip on your eye
- wait a few minutes before driving or operating screens if you have blurred vision
- consider using warm compresses if your eyes are dry
If the side effects are persistent or severe, contact your doctor or pharmacist for further advice. They may suggest alternative treatments or adjust your dose to minimise unwanted effects.
Warnings
While hay fever treatments are safe and effective for most people, they are not suitable for everyone. It’s important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are currently taking any medication, including prescribed, over-the-counter, and herbal remedies.
Do not use hay fever medication if you:
- are allergic to any of the ingredients listed in the product
- have had a previous reaction to antihistamines or corticosteroids
- are using any other products that contain the same ingredients
Before starting hay fever treatment, tell the doctor or pharmacist if you:
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
- have liver or kidney disease
- have glaucoma
- have an enlarged prostate
- have high blood pressure or heart disease
- are taking any other medications
It is recommended that you read the patient information leaflet that is provided with your medication before starting treatment.
Hay fever and pregnancy
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you must be cautious with hay fever treatment and speak to your doctor or midwife before starting any medication. That’s because not all medications are suitable during pregnancy and may harm your unborn baby.
FAQs
How can you tell if you have hay fever or a cold?
Although hay fever and colds share common symptoms like sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, or watery eyes, hay fever symptoms tend to last for weeks or months, whereas a cold usually clears up within 1 to 2 weeks. Hay fever often causes itchy, watery eyes, while colds can cause a sore throat, chesty cough, and sometimes a fever.
Does hay fever make you tired?
Yes, hay fever can make you feel tired because your immune system reacts to allergens, causing inflammation and releasing chemicals that can cause fatigue. This can be made worse if your symptoms are keeping you up at night or making it difficult for you to fall asleep.
When is hay fever season?
Hay fever season in the UK generally runs from March to September when pollen from trees, grass, and weeds is released. The exact timing for each type of pollen will vary, and pollen levels can rise and fall depending on the weather.
Is hay fever contagious?
No, hay fever is not contagious. It is an allergic reaction to pollen, not an infection, so you cannot catch hay fever from someone who has it.
Does drinking water help hay fever?
Drinking water will not cure hay fever, but it can make some of the symptoms more manageable and support your body to cope with the reaction. Staying hydrated will help to keep mucus membranes moist, reducing irritation in your nose, throat, and eyes. It can also make nasal secretions thinner and easier to clear, limiting congestion, and can also help with hay fever treatment side effects like a dry mouth or throat.
Does coffee make hay fever worse?
Yes, coffee can potentially worsen hay fever symptoms because caffeine stimulates histamine release from the mast cells in your body, however, the scientific evidence is limited. Drinking decaffeinated coffee may be preferable.
Sources
- Allergy Prevalence: Useful facts and figures, Allergy UK [accessed 13 May 2025]
- Avamys 27.5 micrograms/spray, nasal spray suspension, emc [accessed 13 May 2025]
- Cetirizine Hydrochloride 10mg Tablets, National Library of Medicine [accessed 13 May 2025]
- Comparative efficacy of cetirizine and fexofenadine for seasonal allergic rhinitis, 5-12 hours postdose, in the environmental exposure unit, National Library of Medicine [accessed 13 May 2025]
- Double-blind, placebo-controlled study comparing the efficacy and safety of fexofenadine hydrochloride (120 and 180 mg once daily) and cetirizine in seasonal allergic rhinitis, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology [accessed 13 May 2025]
- Dymista 137 micrograms / 50 micrograms per actuation Nasal Spray, emc [accessed 13 May 2025]
- Efficacy of intranasal fluticasone propionate and budesonide in management of allergic rhinitis—a prospective comparative study, The Egyptian Journal of Otolaryngology [accessed 13 May 2025]
- Fexofenadine hydrochloride 180mg film-coated Tablets, emc [accessed 13 May 2025]
- Flixonase Aqueous Nasal Spray, emc [accessed 13 May 2025]
- Hay Fever, NHS [accessed 13 May 2025]
- Nasonex 50 micrograms/actuation Nasal Spray, emc [accessed 13 May 2025]
- Ryaltris 25 micrograms/actuation + 600 micrograms/actuation Nasal Spray, suspension, emc [accessed 13 May 2025]
- Scientists pinpoint genetic risk factors for asthma, hay fever and eczema, University of Bristol [accessed 13 May 2025]
- Treatment of hay fever with loratadine--a new non-sedating antihistamine, National Library of Medicine [accessed 13 May 2025]
- Update meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety issues of fexofenadine, National Library of Medicine [accessed 13 May 2025]
- When is hay fever season in the UK?, Met Office [accessed 13 May 2025]
- 24-hour efficacy of once-daily desloratadine therapy in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis [ISRCTN32042139], National Library of Medicine [accessed 09 May 2025]
