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Conditions
HayFever(AllergicRhinitis)
An allergic reaction to airborne particles like pollen, causing sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion. Affects around 1 in 5 Australians.
Get assessed
From $24.95 · No appointment needed
6 min
avg cert turnaround
13 min
avg doctor review
2
days a week
30%
refund if declined
Symptoms
CommonsymptomsofHayFever(AllergicRhinitis)
An AHPRA-registered doctor assesses these symptoms online - no in-person visit required.
Sneezing
Runny or blocked nose
Itchy, watery eyes
Itchy throat or ears
Post-nasal drip
Fatigue
Reduced sense of smell
Our Scope
Howwecanhelp
InstantMed handles many common conditions entirely online. Here's what fits our service.
What we can help with
- Medical certificates when allergies severely affect ability to work
- Discussion of treatment options (antihistamines, nasal sprays)
- Referral for allergy testing if needed
- Advice on managing symptoms
What needs in-person care
- Allergy testing (requires in-person or specialist)
- Immunotherapy (allergy shots) - requires specialist
Depending on your situation, an AHPRA-registered doctor may be able to issue a medical certificate or arrange a repeat prescription after reviewing your request online.
Clinical Guidance
Whentoseeadoctor
These indicators suggest you should seek professional medical advice promptly.
Signs you need a doctor
- 1Symptoms not controlled by over-the-counter treatments
- 2Allergies affecting work or study
- 3Asthma worsening during allergy season
- 4You need a medical certificate for allergy-related absence
Seek emergency care if
- Severe difficulty breathing
- Swelling of face, lips, or throat
- Anaphylaxis (rare with hay fever)
Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department
Clinical Insight
Adoctor'sperspectiveonHayFever(AllergicRhinitis)
InstantMed Clinical Team
AHPRA-registered medical team · Reviewed 2026-03
Hay fever is remarkably undertreated in Australia given how common it is. Many people assume they just have to put up with it, or they self-treat with over-the-counter antihistamines that may not be the most effective option. Modern intranasal corticosteroid sprays (available over the counter in Australia) are actually more effective than oral antihistamines for moderate-to-severe hay fever - but most people do not use them correctly. The spray needs to be aimed toward the outer wall of each nostril, not straight up, and it takes 1-2 weeks of daily use to reach full effect. If you are finding that hay fever is significantly affecting your work, sleep, or quality of life despite over-the-counter treatment, a doctor can discuss prescription options including combination sprays, immunotherapy referrals, and strategies for managing peak pollen seasons.
Treatment
TreatingHayFever(AllergicRhinitis)
Hay fever treatment follows a stepwise approach: non-sedating antihistamines for mild symptoms, intranasal corticosteroid sprays for moderate-severe symptoms, and combination therapy for persistent cases. Starting nasal spray 2 weeks before pollen season gives the best results.
Cetirizine
Zyrtec, Alzene
Class:Non-sedating antihistamine
Typical dose:10mg once daily
- Available over-the-counter at pharmacies
- Works within 1 hour, lasts 24 hours
- May cause mild drowsiness in some people
- Safe for long-term daily use during allergy season
Fexofenadine
Telfast, Fexotabs
Class:Non-sedating antihistamine
Typical dose:180mg once daily (120mg for mild symptoms)
- Least sedating of all antihistamines
- Preferred for people who need to drive or operate machinery
- Available over-the-counter
- Does not cross the blood-brain barrier significantly
Fluticasone propionate
Flixonase, Beconase
Class:Intranasal corticosteroid
Typical dose:2 sprays per nostril once daily
- Most effective single treatment for moderate-severe hay fever
- Takes 2-3 days for initial effect, full benefit at 2 weeks
- Start 2 weeks before pollen season for best results
- Available over-the-counter at pharmacies
Mometasone furoate
Nasonex
Class:Intranasal corticosteroid
Typical dose:2 sprays per nostril once daily
PBS:PBS listed for perennial allergic rhinitis
- Prescription-strength nasal corticosteroid
- Slightly lower systemic absorption than fluticasone
- Effective for both seasonal and year-round allergic rhinitis
- Can be used in children aged 3+ (at lower doses)
Source: Therapeutic Guidelines - Respiratory, 2024. This information is educational only and does not replace clinical assessment.
Specialist referral: Referral to an allergist/immunologist is recommended if symptoms are not controlled with combination antihistamine and nasal steroid, if you need allergy testing to identify specific triggers, or to discuss immunotherapy (desensitisation) for long-term management.
Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis) in Australia
Hay fever affects approximately 4.6 million Australians - around 19% of the population
Pollen season in south-eastern Australia typically runs from September to December, with thunderstorm asthma risks in November
Hay fever costs Australian employers an estimated $7 billion per year in lost productivity ('presenteeism')
Victoria and the ACT have the highest rates of hay fever in Australia, likely due to high grass pollen counts
Recovery
Whattoexpect
Typical recovery timeline and return-to-work guidance for most patients.
Typical recovery
Hay fever is a chronic condition that recurs each pollen season. Individual flares settle within hours to days with appropriate treatment. With well-managed medication, most people can function normally throughout allergy season.
Return to work
Most people continue working with hay fever, but severe flares with poor sleep, headaches, and cognitive fog can justify a day off. Untreated hay fever reduces concentration and productivity by 30-50% - so treating it properly is more effective than just pushing through.
When to reassess
See a doctor if hay fever is not controlled with over-the-counter treatments, if you are using decongestant sprays for more than 3 days (risk of rebound congestion), if you develop facial pain or green nasal discharge (possible sinusitis), or if hay fever triggers asthma symptoms.
Self-Care
ManagingHayFever(AllergicRhinitis)athome
Evidence-based tips to support your recovery alongside medical treatment.
Start intranasal corticosteroid spray 2 weeks before your pollen season begins - it works best with consistent daily use
Check daily pollen counts (Bureau of Meteorology or pollen forecast apps) and limit outdoor time on high-pollen days
Shower and change clothes when coming inside on high-pollen days - pollen clings to hair and fabric
Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors to reduce eye exposure to pollen
Dry laundry indoors during pollen season - sheets and towels dried outside collect significant pollen
Keep car and home windows closed on high-pollen days and use recirculated air in the car
FAQ
CommonquestionsaboutHayFever(AllergicRhinitis)
Answers to the most common questions from patients.
Yes, if your allergies are severely affecting your ability to work (e.g. severe symptoms, need for rest, medication side effects), our doctors can provide a certificate.
Antihistamines, corticosteroid nasal sprays, and avoiding triggers are first-line. Your doctor can recommend the best option for your symptoms.
It varies by region. Spring (September-November) is peak for grass pollen. Some areas have year-round allergens.
Yes - poor sleep from congestion, inflammation, and medication can all contribute to fatigue during allergy season.
Ready to get help with Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis)?
Australian-registered doctors review your request when available.
Full refund if the doctor declines.