The core combo: a daily non-drowsy antihistamine plus a steroid nasal spray (started before the season and used daily), with antihistamine eye drops for itchy eyes - all from a pharmacist.
The pollen tactics: check forecasts, keep windows shut at home and in the car, shower and change after being outside, dry laundry indoors on high-pollen days, wear wraparound sunglasses, and dab Vaseline around the nostrils to trap pollen. Symptoms lasting weeks to months - versus a cold's 1 to 2 weeks - is itself the allergy clue. If the pharmacy plan fails after a proper trial, ask about prescriptions and allergy testing. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, and can help you build your season plan.
What to do
Common questions
What helps seasonal allergies?
Seasonal allergies - hay fever - respond to a two-layer plan: block the pollen, then calm the reaction. The medicine layer, all available from a pharmacist: a daily non-drowsy antihistamine tablet (cetirizine or loratadine) for sneezing, itching, and eyes; a steroid nasal spray for the blocked, runny nose - it works best started before the season and used daily, not sporadically; and antihistamine eye drops if the eyes are the battleground. The pollen-avoidance layer the NHS backs: check the pollen forecast and plan around high-count days; keep windows closed at home and in the car; shower and change clothes after being outside; dry laundry indoors on high-pollen days; wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors; and dab Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen before it gets in. Timing note: hay fever season runs roughly late March to September in the northern hemisphere, and symptoms lasting weeks to months (versus a cold's 1 to 2 weeks) is itself a clue you are dealing with allergy, not infection. If the pharmacy plan fails after a proper trial, ask about prescription options and allergy testing. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, that can help you build your season plan.