Hayfever season in the UK runs from February (tree pollen) to September (weed/mould spores), with grass pollen — the most significant allergen for most sufferers — peaking in June and July. The biggest mistake people make is waiting until they’re already suffering before starting treatment. Here’s how to be ready.

Know Your Pollen Calendar

Different plants release pollen at different times. Understanding the seasonal calendar helps you anticipate and prepare: February–May: tree pollen (birch, hazel, alder, ash, oak, plane). This affects a significant minority of hayfever sufferers and is the cause of the increasingly common “oral allergy syndrome” (itching of mouth and throat when eating raw fruit and vegetables cross-reactive with birch pollen — apple, pear, peach, carrot, celery). May–July: grass pollen — affects the majority of hayfever sufferers. This is peak hayfever season in the UK. July–September: weed pollen (nettles, plantain, mugwort, pellitory). August–November: Alternaria mould spores — an often-missed trigger that explains why some people have symptoms beyond pollen season.

Starting Treatment Early: Why It Matters

Nasal corticosteroid sprays take 1–2 weeks to reach full effect through accumulation of anti-inflammatory activity in nasal mucosa. Starting them 2 weeks before your season begins means you have full protection when pollen hits — rather than scrambling after symptoms have already established. Similarly, daily antihistamines are more effective taken preventively throughout the season than reactively during acute episodes.

Building Your Hayfever Toolkit

First-line: once-daily non-sedating antihistamine (cetirizine 10mg is most cost-effective, fexofenadine for those needing complete alertness). Second-line (add in for moderate-severe symptoms): intranasal corticosteroid spray (fluticasone furoate — Pirinase, Flixonase). Eyes: sodium cromoglicate 2% drops (Opticrom) for prevention throughout season; or antihistamine eye drops for breakthrough symptoms. Physical barriers: Vaseline around nostrils to trap pollen; wraparound sunglasses to reduce eye contact; shower and change clothes on returning indoors. Monitoring: download the Met Office or Pollen UK app; plan outdoor activities around low-pollen days (damp, overcast days; good days are sunny, windy, post-rain).

When OTC Treatment Isn’t Enough

If symptoms significantly impair quality of life, work or sleep despite maximum OTC treatment, see a GP. Options include: prescription-strength nasal steroids, combined antihistamine/decongestant products, referral for allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual drops/tablets) — the only disease-modifying treatment that can reduce sensitivity long-term.

Browse Allergy & Hayfever products at Huncoat Pharmacy. Related: Allergy Guide, Nasal Care Guide.