Hayfever injections
If you suffer from hay fever you’ll experience a range of symptoms. Some of these symptoms are manageable with home remedies, however, others may need medication and some severe cases might need relief from a hay fever injection.
Here are some of the symptoms you are likely to experience when there is a high pollen count:
- Sneezing
- Blocked or runny nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Blocked sinuses, headaches and migraines
- Wheezing and shortness of breath
- Fatigue
What are the causes of hay fever?
Hay fever or allergic rhinitis is an allergy to pollen or even dust and mould. According to Allergy UK, hay fever affects about 20% of the population. If you have a family history of asthma or eczema, you are most likely to also have hay fever.
Pollen, the main cause of hay fever, is high during warm, dry and windy weather. Not only this but there are different types of pollen:
- Tree pollen: high pollen count during February to June
- Grass pollen: high pollen count during May to July
- Weed pollen: high pollen count during June to September
Hay fever treatments & hay fever injections
There are a number of hay fever treatments which can make a huge difference to your day-to-day life. The most effective way to treat hay fever is a mixture of antihistamines, nasal sprays, eye drops and, in more severe cases, an injection for hay fever. All of these products help to provide all-day relief from hay fever symptoms.
Some of the more common solutions to dealing with pollen include:
Antihistamines
If you’re buying medications over the shelf there are a few things that you should make note of before purchasing. Tablets that contain Loratadine and Cetirizine are non-drowsy antihistamines great for tackling symptoms during the day. Antihistamines that contain Chlorpheniramine and Diphenhydramine are drowsy, which are good to use if you need a good night’s sleep without sneezing.
Nasal Sprays
Be patient with nasal sprays, for them to take effect you will need to use one regularly over a period of time. They work particularly well if you suffer from nose congestion during the season.
Eye drops
Itchy or dry eyes can quickly be solved with eye drops. Keep a bottle in your bag so you can relief irritable eyes on the go.
Injection
For those with severe symptoms who have not had relief from the above treatments, an injection for hayfever is an option. The injection can reduce your symptoms for the entire season (up to three months). As it’s a steroid treatment, your suitability must be assessed by our doctors to ensure it is safe for you to proceed with.
How do hayfever injections work?
If you feel that no over-the-counter medication or home remedies have helped you so far, our expert private GPs can help. Booking an appointment with one of our private doctors allows time for you to talk through your history of hay fever and they will be able to consult you.
During a 15-minute consultation, our doctors will assess your symptoms and offer medication options, including tablets, nasal sprays and, if suitable, a hay fever jab. For most patients, the benefits of the injection are felt within 48 hours of receiving the injection and the GP will explain any possible side effects.
Please read our hay fever jab information and consent form if you would like our help in managing your symptoms. Hay fever jabs are available at all 17 of our London Clinics. Book a GP appointment online or by phone now.
Please note, we do not administer an injection for hay fever to those under 18 or if it is deemed unsuitable. There are a range of alternatives that can be very effective and can be discussed during an appointment.
How much does the hay fever injection cost?
The injection costs from £149.
Take a look at some of our other services and helpful sources of information:
- Allergies – We also provide a comprehensive range of blood tests to confirm allergies and allergens if required.
- Help with hay fever – Allergy UK
- How to check if you have hay fever – NHS
- Pollen Forecast – Met Office
Reviewed by: Dr Preethi Daniel, GP & Clinical Director at London Doctors Clinic
Published: February 2020
Review Date: February 2024
