Hay fever in spring can cause sneezing, a blocked or runny nose and itchy, watery eyes, often after time spent outdoors. Many people manage their symptoms well with suitable treatment and a few simple changes to their routine. When symptoms are persistent or disruptive, a general practice assessment can help.
This article explains the common symptoms, how to tell hay fever from a cold, what may bring relief and when to speak with a GP.
Key Takeaways
- Hay fever is an allergic reaction that commonly affects the nose and eyes, and pollen is a frequent spring trigger.
- Suitable antihistamines, nasal sprays and pollen avoidance may help control symptoms.
- Persistent symptoms may justify a GP review, and breathing symptoms need separate assessment.
What Is Hay Fever?
Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction in the nose and often the eyes. It happens when your immune system reacts to substances such as pollen, dust mites, mould or animal dander.
Despite the name, hay fever is not caused by hay, does not cause a fever and is not contagious. Some people have symptoms in particular seasons, while others react to triggers all year.
Why Is Hay Fever Worse in Spring?
Spring can worsen hay fever because grass and tree pollen levels rise, and these pollens are common triggers for people who are sensitive to them. Windy days and time spent in gardens, parks or grassy areas can increase exposure.
Australian spring runs from September to November, but grass pollen can continue into summer. Pollen seasons vary by plant and region so symptoms may start earlier or last longer for some people. Dust mites, mould and pets can also keep symptoms going outside the pollen season.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Hay Fever?
Common hay fever symptoms include repeated sneezing, a runny or blocked nose and itchy, red or watery eyes. Symptoms often return when you are exposed to the same trigger.
Other symptoms can include:
- Itching in the nose, throat or ears
- Postnasal drip, where mucus runs down the back of the throat
- A tickly cough or frequent throat clearing
- Headache or tiredness
- Poor sleep and difficulty concentrating
A cough, headache or sore throat does not always mean allergy. A persistent cough or chest symptoms should not automatically be put down to hay fever.
Hay fever can also affect children’s sleep, concentration and school days. If a child’s hay fever symptoms regularly affect sleep or school, their parents can discuss the concerns through general children’s healthcare.
Hay Fever or a Cold: How Can You Tell the Difference?
Hay fever and a cold share several symptoms, but itching and symptoms that repeatedly occur after exposure to the same trigger are more suggestive of an allergy.
A cold is a viral infection that usually passes within a week or two.
| Feature | Hay fever | Common cold |
| Itching | Common, especially nose and eyes | Less typical |
| Sneezing and runny nose | Common | Common |
| Fever | Not caused by hay fever | May occur |
| Duration | Can recur or last while exposure continues | Usually improves within 1 to 2 weeks |
| Cause | Allergens such as pollen | Viral infection |
| Contagious | No | Yes |
Symptoms overlap, so this table cannot confirm a diagnosis. New, unusual or lingering symptoms are worth discussing with a health professional.
How Can You Relieve Hay Fever Symptoms?
Relief usually combines avoiding known triggers, suitable medicines and measures that reduce nasal irritation. The best approach depends on your symptoms, age and medical history, and no single product suits everyone. For more detail, see Healthdirect’s hay fever guidance.
Antihistamines for Sneezing, Itching and a Runny Nose
Antihistamines may help with sneezing, itching, a runny nose and itchy eyes. They come as tablets, liquids, nasal sprays and eye drops. Non-drowsy options are often preferred, but suitability varies, so a pharmacist can help you choose.
Corticosteroid Nasal Sprays for Persistent Symptoms
Corticosteroid nasal sprays reduce inflammation inside the nose and are commonly used for persistent or troublesome symptoms, especially a blocked nose. When using a nasal spray, aim the nozzle slightly away from the middle of the nose and avoid sniffing hard after spraying. Ask your pharmacist to demonstrate the correct technique. Some sprays combine a corticosteroid with an antihistamine.
Other Relief Options
- Saline nasal sprays or rinses may help clear mucus and allergens, but they do not treat the allergy itself.
- Allergy eye drops may ease itchy or watery eyes, and a pharmacist can advise on suitable products.
- Decongestant nasal sprays should not be used for more than a few days, because longer use can worsen congestion.
There is no guaranteed permanent cure for hay fever. Honey and supplements have not been consistently shown to provide reliable symptom control. For people with severe or persistent symptoms, specialist-supervised allergen immunotherapy may be considered.
Parents, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and people with other health conditions should get advice before choosing a medicine.
How Can You Reduce Spring Pollen Exposure?
Reducing exposure will not remove every symptom, but it can make treatment work better. Practical steps include:
- Check pollen and weather forecasts where available
- Limit time outdoors when pollen levels are high, if practical
- Keep windows closed on high-pollen days
- Shower and change clothes after time outdoors
- Avoid being near freshly mown grass if it triggers symptoms
Avoiding pollen completely is not always practical, especially for people who work outdoors. These steps may still help alongside suitable treatment.
Can Hay Fever Affect Asthma or Breathing?
Hay fever and asthma can occur together, and pollen can worsen asthma symptoms. New wheezing, chest tightness or breathing difficulty may indicate asthma and should be assessed promptly. People with diagnosed asthma should follow their prescribed asthma action plan.
NSW Health identifies October to December as a higher-risk period for thunderstorm asthma, although events are uncommon and require particular weather and pollen conditions. Read more in our guide to thunderstorm asthma in NSW.
Call Triple Zero (000) if someone has severe or rapidly worsening difficulty breathing, cannot speak comfortably or has blue lips.
When Should You See a GP for Hay Fever?
A GP review may be worthwhile when symptoms persist, disrupt sleep or daily activities, or stay troublesome despite appropriate self-care. Reasons to book include:
- Symptoms regularly interfere with work, school, sleep or outdoor activities
- Pharmacy treatment is not controlling symptoms
- Symptoms are persistent or hard to tell apart from another condition
- You have asthma or possible asthma symptoms
- A child is struggling with ongoing nose or eye symptoms
A GP can ask about your symptoms and triggers, review treatments you have tried and your nasal spray technique, and examine your nose and eyes. They can also consider other causes and, where appropriate, discuss testing or referral.
It helps to bring a short note of when symptoms occur, suspected triggers and the medicines you have tried.
For persistent symptoms, a general practice assessment may help clarify the cause and suitable treatment options.
Hay Fever Care in Branxton
Adults and families in Branxton with persistent or troublesome seasonal allergy symptoms can discuss assessment and management with a GP as part of everyday general practice care.
You can book a GP appointment at Branxton Healthcare to talk through your symptoms and next steps.
FAQs
How long does hay fever usually last?
Symptoms can last days, weeks or longer while you are exposed to the trigger. Seasonal hay fever often returns each pollen season, while year-round triggers such as dust mites can cause more constant symptoms.
Is hay fever contagious?
No. Hay fever is an allergic reaction and cannot spread from person to person. Infections such as colds can cause similar symptoms, so a diagnosis should not rest on one sign.
Can you develop hay fever later in life?
Yes. Hay fever can first appear in adulthood. New symptoms are best assessed in context rather than assumed to be allergy.
Why aren’t my hay fever tablets working?
Response varies. Antihistamines may help less with a blocked nose, where an anti-inflammatory nasal spray is often more useful. Check with a pharmacist or GP rather than adding medicines yourself.
References and Resources
Healthdirect Australia (n.d.) Hay fever, Healthdirect website, accessed 26 October 2026.
Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (n.d.) Allergic rhinitis (hay fever), ASCIA website, accessed 26 October 2026.
Asthma Australia (n.d.) Hay fever treatment, Asthma Australia website, accessed 26 October 2026.
Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne (n.d.) Hay fever, RCH website, accessed 26 October 2026.
NSW Health (n.d.) Thunderstorm asthma, NSW Health website, accessed 26 October 2026.
