Hay fever is an allergy to pollen that causes sneezing, a runny or blocked nose and itchy, watery eyes. Pharmacy remedies help many people, but if they are not controlling your symptoms, prescription-strength treatment may help. With Global Health you can request hay fever treatment online in Ireland for €25. You complete a secure questionnaire, a doctor registered with the Irish Medical Council reviews your answers, and if treatment is clinically suitable your prescription is sent to the Irish pharmacy of your choice. If it is not suitable, the doctor explains why and suggests what to do next.
What is included
- A review of your medical questionnaire by an Irish Medical Council-registered doctor
- A prescription for hay fever tablets, a nasal spray or eye drops, if clinically suitable
- Secure electronic delivery of the prescription to your chosen pharmacy in Ireland
- Written advice on how to use the treatment and reduce your pollen exposure
- Secure messaging with the doctor about your request
The €25 fee covers the doctor's review. The cost of the medication is paid separately at your pharmacy.
Who this service is not suitable for
Our doctors cannot safely prescribe hay fever treatment online if you:
- are under 18
- are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding
- have a wheeze, a tight chest, a cough at night or any difficulty breathing, as these may be signs of asthma that need a proper review
- have a painful red eye, changes in your vision or sensitivity to light
- have symptoms on one side of the nose only, nosebleeds, facial pain or a reduced sense of smell that does not come and go with the seasons
- have glaucoma, or take long-term steroid tablets
If any of these apply, please book a video consultation with a GP so a doctor can assess you properly.
How it works
- Complete the questionnaire. Answer questions about your hay fever symptoms, what you have tried, your general health and any medication you take. It takes about five minutes.
- Doctor review. An Irish-registered doctor reviews your answers against clinical guidance and may message you if more information is needed.
- Prescription sent. If treatment is suitable, the prescription is sent securely by Healthmail to the Irish pharmacy you choose, ready for you to collect.
What is hay fever?
Hay fever, also called seasonal allergic rhinitis, happens when your immune system overreacts to pollen. Your body releases histamine and other chemicals, which cause inflammation in the nose, eyes and throat. Common hay fever symptoms include sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy and watery red eyes, an itchy throat, mouth or ears, headache and tiredness. Symptoms are usually worse on warm, dry, windy days and in the early evening.
Pollen season in Ireland
Different pollens cause symptoms at different times of year, so the timing of your symptoms can show what you react to:
- tree pollen, such as birch, mainly in spring from around March to May
- grass pollen, the most common trigger, from around May to July, often peaking in June
- weed pollen in late summer and early autumn
Other causes of similar symptoms
If your symptoms continue all year, house dust mites, pet dander or mould may be the cause rather than pollen. A cold also causes sneezing and a runny nose, but it usually clears within a week or two and may come with a sore throat or temperature.
Hay fever treatment options
There is no cure for hay fever, so the aim is to control symptoms. Your doctor will discuss the right medication for hay fever based on your symptoms:
- Antihistamine tablets block histamine and help with sneezing, itching and a runny nose. Non-drowsy types are taken once a day.
- Steroid nasal sprays reduce inflammation in the nose and are usually recommended first for a blocked nose. They work well when used every day, starting about two weeks before your season begins. Full effect can take several days.
- Anti-allergy eye drops ease itchy, watery and red eyes.
To use a hay fever nasal spray, tilt your head slightly forward, aim the nozzle away from the middle of your nose and sniff gently. Hay fever injections (long-acting steroid injections) are not recommended routinely. One injection stays in the body for weeks, so if side effects such as raised blood sugar, mood changes, thinning of the skin or effects on the bones occur, the medicine cannot be stopped. For severe hay fever, a specialist may offer immunotherapy (desensitisation).
If you want to know how to get rid of hay fever symptoms day to day, cutting down your pollen exposure helps alongside medication: check the pollen forecast, wear wraparound sunglasses, put a barrier balm around your nostrils, shower and change clothes after being outside, keep windows closed, avoid drying clothes outdoors and avoid cutting grass.
Side effects and safety
Antihistamines can cause drowsiness in some people, even non-drowsy types, as well as a dry mouth or headache. Do not drive if you feel drowsy, and avoid alcohol, which can increase drowsiness. Steroid nasal sprays can cause dryness, irritation, an unpleasant taste or minor nosebleeds. Eye drops may sting briefly. Remove contact lenses before using eye drops unless the instructions say otherwise.
If you develop wheeze, breathlessness or a tight chest, or your lips or tongue swell, seek urgent medical help and call 112 or 999 if it is severe.
When to see a doctor in person
See your GP if your symptoms do not improve with treatment, you have symptoms all year round, or hay fever is affecting your sleep, work or study. You should also be seen if you have asthma that gets worse during pollen season. You can also meet our Irish-registered doctors or see all online prescription services.