Hay Fever: What Actually Works, and When to Start It

Hay fever is the single most common thing we're asked about at the counter from spring to early autumn — and most of the frustration we hear comes down to two fixable mistakes: the wrong type of treatment for the symptom, and starting it too late. Here's how a pharmacist actually matches treatment to hay fever.

By the Hyde Park Pharmacy pharmacist team · Hyde Park Pharmacy, 22–24 Woodsley Road, Leeds LS3 1DT · Last updated 29 August 2026

First: there's no cure — but it is very treatable

Hay fever can't be cured or fully prevented — it's an allergic reaction to pollen, usually worst between late March and September. What works is a combination: cut the pollen reaching you, and treat the symptoms you actually have with the right tool — antihistamines for sneezing and itch, a steroid nasal spray for the blocked nose, eye drops for the eyes. They do different jobs, and they can be used together.

Know your pollen season

“Hay fever” is really three overlapping seasons, and knowing yours tells you when to start treating. Most people with hay fever react to grass pollen; if your symptoms start early in spring, tree pollen is the likelier culprit.

The three pharmacy treatments — and how to choose

Pick by your main symptom, not by whatever is nearest the till. For anything more than mild symptoms, combining a daily antihistamine with a daily steroid nasal spray is standard — they work on different parts of the problem.

Children, pregnancy and other medicines: not every antihistamine suits every person — ask our pharmacist before treating a child, in pregnancy or while breastfeeding, or if you take other regular medicines. That check takes a minute at the counter.

Cutting your pollen exposure — what's actually worth doing

• Do: put a barrier balm (even petroleum jelly) around your nostrils to trap pollen; wear wraparound sunglasses; shower, wash your hair and change clothes after being outside; keep windows shut at high-pollen times; vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth.
• Don’t: cut grass or sit on freshly cut grass on bad days; dry washing outside when counts are high (pollen sticks to it); keep fresh flowers indoors; let pets you’ve been cuddling outdoors onto the bed — they carry pollen in their fur.
• Check the forecast: the Met Office publishes a daily pollen count — on very high days, front-load your treatment and plan indoor time.

Common questions

What is the best antihistamine for hay fever?

There’s no single best one — people respond differently. Non-drowsy antihistamines (cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine) are the usual first choice for daily use through the season; older ones like chlorphenamine work but commonly cause drowsiness. If one doesn’t suit you, switching to another is reasonable — ask our pharmacist to match one to you.

When should I start using a steroid nasal spray?

Ideally 1–2 weeks before your symptoms usually begin, then every day through the season. These sprays take several days to reach full effect — using one only on bad days is the commonest reason people think it “doesn’t work”.

Can hay fever be cured?

No — there’s currently no cure and you can’t fully prevent it. It’s managed with exposure control plus treatment. For severe hay fever that doesn’t respond, a specialist can consider immunotherapy, started in winter before the season.

Can I take antihistamines and use a nasal spray together?

Yes — they target different symptoms and are commonly combined, with eye drops added if needed. Check with our pharmacist first if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, treating a child, or take other medicines.

What helps hay fever at night?

Shower and wash your hair before bed, change out of clothes worn outdoors, keep bedroom windows shut in the early evening when pollen settles, and don’t dry bedding outside on high-pollen days. If it’s still breaking your sleep, speak to our pharmacist about your options.