Did you know hayfever has nothing to do with hay? The term came about when farmers working in the hay fields were affected by allergies. Learn more about what the phrase means.
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What is it
When people talk about hayfever, they’re really referring to the symptoms of outdoor grass, tree and weed pollen allergies, generally known as seasonal allergies.
Allergies kick in when your immune system overreacts to seasonal substances called allergens, and can be visible in the form of itchy, watery eyes, a runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose or throat and nasal congestion. Learn more on understanding allergy symptoms from the allergy essentials section.
What to watch out for
Seasonal allergies encompass a wide range of grasses, trees and weeds that are present in the warmer months.
When is it in season
Hay fever allergies usually occur from early spring to autumn, when tiny pollen particles are released into the air to fertilize other plants.
What to do
- If you suffer from hayfever allergies try to limit going outside between 10 am and 4 pm, when pollen is at its worst. If you do, consider covering up such as with a hat, gloves, sunglasses, long-sleeve t-shirt or even a paper mask
- Shower after being outdoors to remove pollen from your skin and hair
- Think about replacing your grass lawn with low pollen ground cover or pollen-free features like rocks, pavers, Astroturf, sand and water.
