Condition guide
Hay Fever
Sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny nose disrupting your day? Find the right antihistamine or nasal spray for your hay fever symptoms in under 2 minutes.
Find the right medicineTreatment and relief options
- Antihistamines (cetirizine, loratadine) for sneezing and itching
- Intranasal corticosteroids (take several days for full effect) or saline for congestion
- Eye drops (antihistamine or mast-cell stabiliser) for itchy, watery eyes
- Avoid known allergens when possible
- Take antihistamines when you have symptoms; corticosteroid nasal sprays need to be used every day to work well
Top picks
Top pick
Telfast Hayfever Allergy Relief
A newer, less-sedating antihistamine for the sneezing and itching of hay fever, taken when you have symptoms.
Best for congestion
Flixonase Allergy & Hayfever 24 Hour Nasal Spray
An intranasal corticosteroid for a blocked, congested nose — start it several days ahead, as it takes several days to reach full effect.
General information only — check with your pharmacist or GP before starting a new medicine. Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
When to get help
- Severe breathing difficulty or wheezing: call Triple Zero (000)
- Symptoms on at least 4 days a week for 4 weeks or more, or that affect your sleep, work or study
- High fever or green/yellow nasal discharge
- Facial pain or swelling
Good to know
Hay fever, a cold or something else?
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) doesn't cause a fever, but can feel like a cold that won't go away. Colds usually clear within 7 to 10 days; allergy symptoms tend to continue unless treated. Seasonal hay fever is usually from pollen, often peaking in spring with grass pollen; year-round symptoms point to dust mites, mould or animal dander. If one symptom stands out, see sneezing, runny nose, blocked nose or itchy eyes. See your doctor if symptoms occur at least 4 days a week for 4 weeks or more, or disrupt sleep, work or study.
Pollen season and thunderstorm asthma
Symptoms are often worse on hot, windy days and after thunderstorms. In spring and early summer, a storm can burst grass pollen into tiny particles that, once breathed in, can trigger asthma, even in people who have never had it. Adults with seasonal hay fever who are sensitive to grass pollen are most at risk. On high pollen days, stay indoors before, during and after storms, especially in the windy period before rain; masks don't protect. Keeping hay fever controlled lowers the risk; people at risk should carry an asthma reliever in pollen season. For trouble breathing, call Triple Zero (000).
Sources: healthdirect — Hay fever (allergic rhinitis); ASCIA — Allergic rhinitis (hay fever); Better Health Channel — Hay fever; healthdirect — Thunderstorm asthma; healthdirect — Colds
Frequently asked questions
Take them when you have symptoms; you don't need to take them on days when you're well. They help most with sneezing and itchy, watery eyes and are less effective for a badly blocked or streaming nose. Non-drowsy options work well during the day.
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Advice & guides
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Medical disclaimer
This information is general in nature and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about what’s right for you.