Follow the Practice guidance outlined here. 

Managing your Hay Fever

The severity of symptoms can vary, some people need medication to manage their symptoms and others can manage their condition by avoiding triggers. If treatment is needed a wide range of medications can be purchased from community pharmacies and supermarkets without seeing a doctor. These medicines are often cheaper than medicines on prescription and there are options for children as well as adults.

How can I avoid triggers? 

• Keep house and car windows closed, especially when the pollen count is high (early morning between 7am to 9am and evenings between 5pm and 7pm).
• Avoid large grassy areas, woodland, cutting the grass, pollutants and car fumes.
• Wear wrap-around sunglasses.
• When you get in from outside wash your hands, face, hair, rinse your eyes and change your clothes.
• If possible stay indoors when the pollen count is high.
• Use petroleum jelly inside your nose to block inhalation of pollen.
• Keep your house clean and wear a mask and glasses when doing house work.
• Don’t dry washing outside to avoid pollen sticking to your clothes.
• You could buy a pollen filter for the air vents in the car
• Use a nasal douche to clear pollen from the sinuses especially before bed- can be bought over the counter or made at home

What treatments can I buy?

Speak to a local pharmacist to get advice on the best treatment for your symptoms and always read the patient information leaflet that is included with the medicine.

When should I see a GP?

• If you are experiencing wheezing, breathlessness or tightness in the chest.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and the pharmacist is unable to help. Information here:  https://www.medicinesinpregnancy.org/Medicine--pregnancy/Hay-fever/
• Children under 1 year old
• If you have tried all available over the counter medications for at least 6 weeks and none of them has successfully relieved your symptoms (these are extremely rare situations and less likely to happen)