As we move into hay fever season, many people across the UK begin to feel the familiar sting of itchy eyes, sneezing, and nasal congestion. Dr. Alan Twomey, Telehealth Clinical Lead at Teladoc Health UK, shares practical tips for managing seasonal allergies, including advice for dealing with pollen and house dust mites, and guidance on when to speak to a GP.
Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is caused when the body’s immune system overreacts to allergens such as pollen, producing protective antibodies. This triggers the release of chemicals in the nasal passages, eyes, or airways, leading to inflammation and irritation.
Seasonal hay fever is typically caused by airborne grass, tree, or weed pollen, particularly in the late spring and early summer. However, mould spores, more common in autumn, can also trigger symptoms. In the UK, the most common time for hay fever is from late May to July, when grass pollen levels are at their highest.
Some people may experience symptoms year-round — known as perennial allergic rhinitis — due to allergens like pet dander, house dust mites, or indoor mould.
The main approach to treating hay fever is to avoid known allergens as much as possible and to use a combination of over-the-counter and prescription medications. These include:
Antihistamines (non-drowsy options are available)
Intranasal corticosteroid sprays
Saline nasal sprays and eye drops
Prescription combination sprays (e.g., antihistamine + corticosteroid)
If symptoms are severe or don’t respond to standard treatment, your GP may refer you to a specialist for immunotherapy.
Looking to reduce your exposure to pollen allergens? Here are some effective strategies:
Stay indoors with windows closed during high pollen times (morning and evening).
Avoid grassy and rural areas, especially on warm, dry days.
Apply Vaseline around the nostrils to trap pollen.
Don’t dry clothes outside when the pollen count is high.
Shower, wash your hair, and change clothes after being outdoors.
Use recirculated air and keep windows closed in the car.
Download the Met Office app to receive local pollen count alerts.
Use saline rinses and sprays to flush out allergens from the nasal passages.
Take antihistamines daily during allergy season, ideally starting a week before your symptoms usually begin.
House dust mites might be to blame if you suffer from year-round symptoms. Common symptoms mirror hay fever, including sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes. To reduce your exposure:
Use a fresh, clean towel on your pillow each night.
Minimise soft furnishings and carpets in the bedroom.
Vacuum regularly with a HEPA-filter vacuum.
Wash bedding at 60°C or higher to kill mites.
Use allergen-proof pillow and mattress covers.
If you experience persistent or severe symptoms, or if your hay fever is linked to asthma or eczema, it’s important to seek medical advice. People with hay fever are three times more likely to develop asthma, and poor control of one condition often affects the other.
Over-the-counter treatments aren’t helping.
You have breathing difficulties.
Your symptoms interfere with sleep or daily activities.
You’re unsure about the best treatment plan.
Your GP may recommend stronger treatments, such as intranasal corticosteroids or combination sprays containing corticosteroids and antihistamines.
For further reading on managing allergies: Visit Allergy UK for helpful factsheets on hay fever, living with allergies, and in-home allergen management.
And don’t forget—if you’re a Teladoc Health UK member, our 24/7 virtual GP service is here to help whenever you need us. You can speak to a GP from the comfort of your home, any time, any day of the year.
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