Many hay fever sufferers have one single quest once spring arrives and the onset of hay fever symptoms and misery: how to stop hay fever. Here we share 10 helpful tips to ease your hay fever symptoms and get you enjoying the spring and summer months.

What triggers hay fever?

Nature’s sneaky little trick, hay fever is triggered by an overreaction to harmless substances in the air like pollen. It’s like your immune system hitting the panic button for no good reason. So, while flowers bloom and trees sway, your nose and eyes aren’t happy. Different people experience variable hay fever triggers. Common triggers include tree and grass pollen.

How long can hay fever last?

Hay fever, the unwelcome guest, can linger for weeks or even months. Most commonly, it lingers throughout the spring and summer when allergens are in full swing. Some unlucky souls may find hay fever persists all year round. Factors like warm, dry, and windy weather can contribute to worse hay fever, while rainy or cool days tend to bring relief with lower pollen counts.

10 helpful tips for how to stop hay fever

1. Embrace the golden elixir: local honey!

Start your day with a spoonful of locally produced honey to build immunity against local pollens. The bees’ hard work may just work wonders for your hay fever woes. Why does it work? Local bees produce their honey from local pollen. The theory is that consuming local honey regularly can gradually expose your immune system to tiny amounts of local pollens, desensitizing your body and reducing hay fever symptoms. The scientific jury is out, but anecdotally many people swear by local honey as nature’s weapon against hay fever.

2. Reach for over-the-counter antihistamines

Hay fever is your immune system in overdrive. Antihistamines calm your immune system, soothing symptoms and bringing relief. Choose non-drowsy options to tackle sneezing, itching, and runny noses head-on during the day time. Good basic antihistamines for hay fever sufferers include diphenhydramine tablets, like branded Benadryl.

3. Stay indoors and shut up your home

While being outside in the nicer months is tempting, you may want to bring yourself some hay fever relief by staying inside. Keep windows closed during high pollen days to create a pollen-free sanctuary indoors. Importantly, stay indoors when pollen counts peak, usually in the morning and early evening.

4. Take the prescription route

If over-the-counter antihistamines aren’t providing sufficient relief for your hay fever symptoms, consult your doctor for prescription-strength options like cetirizine or loratadine. They can offer stronger hay fever defense for those pesky pollen encounters. You can get prescription strength antihistamines from us, here at International Pharmacy, shipped globally.

5. Use a nasal spray

The pollen goes in through your nose and many of your symptoms will center here, with a nasal drip or itching. Opt for corticosteroid nasal sprays like fluticasone or mometasone to tackle stubborn hay fever symptoms with a simple nasal spray. These sprays help reduce inflammation and provide targeted relief for nasal congestion, sneezing, and itching.

6. Sport a face mask

When venturing outside, consider wearing a face mask to filter out pollen. You’ll not only rock the pollen-free look but also reduce the chances of triggering hay fever symptoms. You don’t even need to opt for a Covid-style medical looking mask. A simple fabric mask is often enough. A mask is particularly helpful if you like gardening but hate hay fever. We recommend wearing gloves too, so you don’t accidentally transfer pollen or your hands.

7. Gain relief with eye drops

You can use eye drops to combat itchy, watery eyes. These over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops, such as ketotifen or olopatadine, are easy to use and again target symptoms directly. A few drops can soothe those irritated peepers and help you see the world without the blurry filter of hay fever.

8. Keep eyes, nose and face clean

Rinse your nasal passages with saline solution to flush out allergens and ease congestion. Neti pots or nasal sprays can be your secret weapons against hay fever attacks. Wash your face regularly, as well as your hands. Importantly, try not to touch your eyes or nose with unwashed hands. The itching can be frustrating but you may have pollen on your hands, worsening symptoms, or you can irritate your eyes and nose further.

9. Keep your home, bedding and clothes clean

Regularly clean your living space, especially floors, surfaces, and bedding, to eliminate pollen residue. When you come in from outside, switch out of your clothes into something clean and pop the outdoor clothes in the wash. Invest in allergen-proof bedding covers to create a barrier between you and the pesky allergens lurking in your mattress and pillows.

10. Get professional help

When all else fails, consult an allergist or immunologist for personalized advice. They can recommend specific treatments and immunotherapy options.

You can get all of your hay fever medications from us at International Pharmacy.

The information here is for guidance only. For individual hay fever advice, consult your doctor.