Allergies & hayfever
Allergies are triggered by pollens found in the environment from various species of trees and grass, ragweed (flowering plants) and other allergens.
Allergies are often called hay fever, which affects more than 3 billion people worldwide.1-2 Allergens such as pollen, dust mites and pet dander aren’t harmful to humans, but for those of us with allergies, our immune system over-reacts to their presence. Airborne pollen can enter your nose, mouth and/or eyes, and within minutes may trigger a cascade of events leading to the symptoms we know all too well. Dust and moulds can be year-round issues, so if you’re serious about looking after your hay fever, you’ll need to be serious about avoiding your triggers.
Hay fever can last all year round, not just in spring and autumn months. Many sufferers believe that people don’t understand how miserable it can make you feel – due to disturbed sleep, daytime tiredness and poor concentration.
To find out what your local pollen forecast is, see: www.metservice.com and select your town or city.
Colds and allergies often share the same symptoms. Below are a few key differences. If you think you have an allergy, talk to your healthcare professional to see if Dymista® is right for you.
Do you have an allergy, cold or flu?
Allergy & hay fever | Cold | Flu | |
When |
Any time of the year |
Usually winter but can be all year around |
Winter |
Symptoms appear |
Immediately |
In a few days |
In a few hours |
Duration |
As long as you’re exposed to the problem allergen |
5 – 7 days |
7 – 14 days |
Common Symptoms |
Runny nose (clear mucus), Blocked nose, Red itchy eyes, Sneezing |
Runny nose (mostly coloured mucus), Sore throat, Sneezing, Cough (with mucus) |
Extreme exhaustion, Fever, Headache, Muscle aches & pains, Sore throat |
Other Symptoms |
Headache, Sore throat |
Headache, Fever |
Blocked nose, Sneezing |
Adopted from Pharmacy Today, June 2018, p.303 |
Allergy & hay fever | |
When |
Any time of the year |
Symptoms appear |
Immediately |
Duration |
As long as you’re exposed to the problem allergen |
Common Symptoms |
Runny nose (clear mucus), Blocked nose, Red itchy eyes, Sneezing |
Other Symptoms |
Headache, Sore throat |
Cold | |
When |
Usually winter but can be all year around |
Symptoms appear |
In a few days |
Duration |
5 – 7 days |
Common Symptoms |
Runny nose (mostly coloured mucus), Sore throat, Sneezing, Cough (with mucus) |
Other Symptoms |
Headache, Fever |
Flu | |
When |
Winter |
Symptoms appear |
In a few hours |
Duration |
7 – 14 days |
Common Symptoms |
Extreme exhaustion, Fever, Headache, Muscle aches & pains, Sore throat |
Other Symptoms |
Blocked nose, Sneezing |