FAQs
What causes hay fever?
Hay fever is caused by an allergic reaction to pollen, a very fine powder produced by trees, flowers, grasses, and weeds. When those with hay fever breathe in plant pollen, their bodies overreact.3
The immune system registers the incoming pollen as dangerous. This kickstarts the production of antibodies. A release of chemicals called histamines follows. As a result, airways start to swell, and you’ll notice a runny nose, sneezing, and teary eyes.10
This is your body’s well-meaning effort to eject the allergen from your body and prevent further pollen particles from getting in.
Want to understand more about the link between pollen and hay fever? We’ve got a more comprehensive guide on
what causes hay fever here.
What is the difference between hay fever, a cold, and COVID-19?
Wondering if your hay fever symptoms are a sign of a summer cold instead?
Dr. Subashini, Medical Director at Aviva Health, and former Director of Science at Holland & Barrett, offers some insight:
"It can often be hard to distinguish between the symptoms of hay fever, a cold, and Covid-19 unless you are medically trained.
Both Covid-19 and the common cold are caused by viruses, but seasonal allergies are immune system responses. Generally, people who have had hay fever before would be familiar with their symptoms.
If they are experiencing new symptoms and those that suggest COVID-19 as per the guide below, we would recommend them to take a test."