Spring in Ringwood, VIC means blossom, longer days and, for many people, a runny nose and itchy eyes. Hay fever is common, and it can affect your sleep, work and study.
The right hay fever treatment can make these weeks easier.
This guide explains hay fever symptoms and how hay fever season works in Melbourne. It also covers your treatment options and when to see a GP.
What Is Hay Fever?
Hay fever is also commonly called allergic rhinitis. It happens when your nose or eyes react to allergens in the air. These include pollen from grasses, weeds and trees.
Despite its name, it isn’t caused by hay and doesn’t cause a fever. It’s also said that it affects around 18% of people in Australia and New Zealand. Dust mites, moulds and pet dander can cause symptoms all year round.
Hay Fever Symptoms to Look For
Common hay fever symptoms include:
- a runny, itchy or blocked nose
- sneezing
- itchy or watery eyes
Symptoms can be mild or severe. Some people also sleep poorly, feel tired in the day or find it hard to focus.
Hay fever can also look like a cold or flu. The difference between them is that allergy symptoms often carry on unless they are treated.
Noticing when your symptoms start can help your GP work out your triggers. If a trigger is confirmed, limiting your contact with it may reduce symptoms.
Hay Fever Season in Melbourne
In Victoria, grass pollen season usually runs from 1 October to 31 December. In south-east Australia, springtime hay fever is often triggered by grass pollen. The exact dates change each year.
The Better Health Channel also suggests that people check the Melbourne pollen count and forecast during this season to avoid getting the disease.
Hay Fever Treatment Options
A pharmacist or doctor can recommend hay fever treatment. Common treatment options for hay fever may include:
- Antihistamines. These come as hay fever tablets, syrups, nasal sprays and eye drops. You can take them when symptoms appear.
- Nasal corticosteroid sprays. These sprays calm swelling inside the nose. They work best when used regularly, and the benefit can take days to appear. Some may need a prescription.
- Combination sprays. Some sprays contain both a corticosteroid and an antihistamine.
- Saline sprays and rinses. Salt water can help clear allergens from your nose.
- Decongestants. Use these with care. Decongestant sprays shouldn’t be used for more than a few days at a time, because they can make congestion worse. If you have high blood pressure, check with your doctor or pharmacist before using decongestant tablets.
The right hay fever medication depends on your symptoms, age and other health conditions. Results may also vary between people, and the effects of the treatment on them.
Make sure to read the label and ask your pharmacist or GP before starting a new medicine. This is especially important for a child, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Hay Fever, Asthma and Thunderstorms
Around one in four people with hay fever also have asthma. Pollen can trigger both, most often in spring and summer. Grass pollen season can also bring thunderstorm asthma.
This can happen when there is a lot of grass pollen and a certain type of thunderstorm occurs. People with springtime hay fever are among those at risk.
To protect yourself:
- Stay indoors just before, during and after thunderstorms in pollen season.
- Check the Victorian thunderstorm asthma forecast during the season.
- If you notice wheeze, cough, chest tightness or shortness of breath, see your GP for an asthma plan.
If you have severe trouble breathing, call 000.
When to See a GP
Book a visit if:
- your symptoms disrupt your sleep, work or study
- treatments from the pharmacy aren’t controlling your symptoms
- you have wheeze, cough or chest tightness during pollen season
- you have a fever, which hay fever doesn’t cause
- your child has symptoms
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding and want advice on treatment
- you would like to talk about allergy testing or a referral to an allergy specialist
Your GP can look at your symptoms, review your treatment and talk through next steps. It helps to keep a note of when your symptoms start and what seems to set them off.
If you’re very unwell or your problem is urgent, tell our reception at Warrandyte Road Clinic when you call. Some of our doctors hold appointments on the day for urgent conditions, so we’ll do our best to fit you in.
For a medical emergency, call 000.
For care when your doctor isn’t available, call DoctorDoctor on 13 26 60. A report goes back to your doctor at the clinic.
Talk to Your GPs About Hay Fever
Spring brings grass pollen to Melbourne, and hay fever symptoms can affect daily life. A pharmacist or GP can help you choose hay fever treatment that suits you. Your GP can also check whether asthma needs attention.
Children may be more prone to hay fever. When you see the signs and are in Ringwood, VIC, our team at Warrandyte Road Clinic provides children’s health services is here to help you and your family.
Book a consultation online or phone 03 9870 9000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hay Fever the Same as a Cold?
No, though they can look alike. A cold is an infection, and hay fever is an allergic reaction. Hay fever doesn’t cause a fever. Cold and hay fever symptoms can overlap, but allergy symptoms often continue unless they are treated.
If you are unsure, or you have a fever, book a visit with your GP.
When Does Hay Fever Season Start in Melbourne?
Grass pollen season in Victoria usually runs from 1 October to 31 December. The exact start and finish vary from year to year. Check the Melbourne pollen count and forecast during the season. If your symptoms are hard to manage, your GP can talk through your options.
Can I Buy Hay Fever Tablets Without a Prescription?
Some hay fever medicines are recommended by pharmacists, and others need a prescription. A pharmacist or GP can help you choose a hay fever medication that suits you.
Always read the label. Ask first if the medicine is for a child. Also, ask for an appropriate treatment if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking other medicines.
Is Hay Fever Linked to Asthma?
Yes. Around one in four people with hay fever also have asthma. Hay fever is also linked to the development of asthma. Better control of hay fever symptoms often helps asthma control. If you notice wheeze, cough, chest tightness or shortness of breath, see your GP.
Can Children Get Hay Fever?
Yes. Our doctors care for children of all ages. Our Children’s Health page lists hay fever among the conditions we can help with. Please ask a pharmacist or GP before giving any hay fever medicine to a child. Book online or phone 03 9870 9000.
