• [Daily Mirror Icon]
• News
• Health
• Hay fever

What are the symptoms of hay fever? How to tell the difference between hay fever and a cold

Hay fever is the curse of the summer month but it needn't be the end of your happiness as there are plenty of ways to avoid it, treat it and minimise the effects.

[Man-sneezing-in-tall-grass.jpg]

This is a guide to hay fever and how to battle and beat it(Image: Cultura RF)

Summer is here. The sun is out, flowers are abloom, and hay fever is in the air.

One in five people suffer from it, so for those unlucky enough to be one of them, brace yourselves for months of torture.

Your eyes will itch and stream, your throat will be dry and itchy and you'll sneeze.

You may even be scratching and itching just reading this - it can be really debilitating for those living in areas with high pollen counts.

Hay fever symptoms

It is easy to dismiss long-term coughing and sneezing for an ongoing cold. But if youve had a cold for weeks on end with no sign of improvements, chances are, youve got hayfever.

[Woman sneezing]

It can really get up your nose(Image: Getty)

Hay fever or a cold?

Hay fevers

• Runny nose with thin, watery discharge
• No fever
• Kicks in immediately after exposure to allergens
• Continues for as long as you are exposed

Colds

• Runny nose with watery or thick yellow discharge
• Body aches
• Mild fever
• Begins 1-3 days after exposure to virus
• Lasts for about 3-7 days

So what exactly is hay fever and what can you do about it?

What is hayfever?

[Sneezing-girl-with-hay-fever.jpg]

Hay fever can have you reaching for the tissues(Image: E+)

Simply put, when you have hay fever, your bodys immune system treats a harmless airborne substance as harmful, producing antibodies against it.

This means that next time you come in contact with the substance, your immune system is signaled to release chemicals that cause a reaction leading to symptoms of hay fever, into your bloodstream.

Hay fever exact signs and symptoms

• Runny or blocked nose
• Watery, itchy eyes
• Frequent sneezing
• Itchy nose, mouth, throat and ears
• Coughing caused by postnasal drip
• Fatigue

[A woman with hay fever blowing her nose]

Pollen can really bust you up if you are an unlucky hay fever sufferer(Image: Getty)

Can you suddenly develop hayfever?

You can get hayfever at any age, but it usually begins in childhood or during your teens.

It's more common in boys than girls, though adults are equally affected.

Experts aren't sure what triggers hayfever, but you are more likely to have it if your parents do.

Some people do get symptoms later in life, with an increasing number of middle aged and elderly people being affected.

When does hay fever season end?

• Tree pollen: late March to mid-May
• Grass pollen: mid-May to July
• Weed pollen: end of June to September

When do you get hayfever?

Sadly, there is no specific start and end date for hay fever. But the spring and summer seasons are especially bad. Weather conditions and pollen count vary from year to year, but with last years levels being among the highest in the last century, similar miseries can be expected this season.

[Man-with-flu-coughing-and-sneezing.jpg]

Painful sneezing can be uncomfortable and distracting(Image: Getty)

Who is at risk?

Hay fever worst affects the young and active who are at work or school. According to Professor Stephen Durham of the Royal Brompton allergy clinic in London, the sickness can increase the chance of students summer exam grades being worse than previous out-of-season test results by 70%.

But bad news for the rest of you: studies show that adults in their 30s, 40s and 50s are increasingly at risk, so stock up on the tissues.

Those with other allergies, asthma or eczema, have a blood relative with these illnesses, and those who live or work in an environment that exposes them to allergens must be extra cautious, too.

[Hayfever]

wearing a mask to avoid pollen isn't really an option

[Daily Mirror Icon]

Hay fever

[How to get rid of hayfever]

How to get rid of hayfever

[Symptoms and signs]

Symptoms and signs

[Foods that help]

Foods that help

[Best products to use]

Best products to use

Is there a cure?

There was an injection given to people in the 1980s to desensitise them to pollen, but it was discontinued after a number of deaths.

There are vaccinations now, and as research has developed there have been some suggestions for treatment. Key research in 2017 has shown that symptoms could be dramatically reduced in the long term if sufferers are exposed to controlled doses of pollen.

The treatment, a type of immunotherapy, involves exposing patients to increasing doses of pollen over time to build up their resistance. The pollen is administered either by injection or a daily tablet.

The trials 106 patients for the study by Royal Brompton's allergy clinic were split into three groups for treatment over two years.

One received injections, one daily tablets and one a placebo. The patients who took part in the trial all suffer from moderate to severe hay fever.

After two years of treatment, patients receiving injections and taking daily tablets reported a significant improvement in their symptoms and their quality of life. After another year, symptoms had returned to the same level as the placebo group.

Importantly previous studies from Royal Brompton hospital have shown that 3 years grass pollen vaccination, as opposed to 2 years, may additionally confer long-term benefits that last for for several years after stopping the treatment.

Can you overdose on hay fever tablets?

Prescription and over-the-counter hayfever tablets contain antihistamines.

Antihistamines get rid of histamines, the chemicals your immune system makes to rid your body of allergens.

If you buy normal tablets, from a high street store, you may think it's just a mild dose, but there's still a risk of overdosing.

Side effects are listed on the packaging so check before you take anything. They usually include blurred vision, headaches, sedation, enlarged pupils, restlessness, itching, dry mouth and ringing in your ears.

It's important to remember if you follow the instructions you will be fine. Check what other medication you are taking before taking hay fever tablets. Read the label and you will be fine.

How to prevent hayfever

Sadly, there is no way to prevent getting hay fever. But follow to these tips to avoid as much suffering as possible.

• Keep windows and doors closed, especially overnight as early morning pollen is the worst
• Avoid high pollen activities, such as mowing the lawn
• Vacuum the house regularly and dust with a damp cloth
• Avoid fresh flowers in the house, but those less likely to cause allergic reactions include azaleas, petunias, hydrangeas, sunflowers and daffodils
• Avoid cigarette smoke
• Keep pets outdoors or wash them regularly
• Change clothes and shower after being outside
• Avoid walking in grassy areas
• Check for pollen filters on car air vents and change them regularly
• Take a trip down to the coast where the pollen count is lower and life is better

[Woman suffering from hay fever]

Suffering from hay fever is a pain for thousands each year(Image: Getty)

Most people get away with over-the-counter medications for mild symptoms. Nasal sprays, decongestants and antihistamines often do the trick. But if symptoms worsen, it is probably best to visit a doctor to ease you from the agony.

How can I check the pollen count?

The Met Office issues figures which you can check here.

Now go out and enjoy the summer, but dont forget those tissues!

[Daily Mirror Icon]

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.