Hayfever treatment is about trying to control, minimize or even entirely avoid the unpleasant effects of hayfever.

There are several things you can do to lessen symptoms by avoiding contact with the allergens. These include the following:

• In the spring/early summer, stay inside between 11.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m., when pollen counts are usually high. Keep windows and doors closed, especially at these times and when sleeping.
• Avoid going out just after a thunderstorm as this is often a time of high particulate count in the air.
• Use an air-conditioner or filter when possible, at home, work, and in the car, to remove pollen and other allergens from the air.
• Damp down any dust and vacuum your home regularly, to minimise the presence of pollen and dust.
• Use a clothes dryer rather than washing line for drying bed linen, particluarly when pollen counts are high.
• On high pollen count days, wash your hands and face frequently, particularly around the eyes with fresh, clean water.
• Plant protective shrubs around your garden to protect you from wind blown pollen.
• Be aware of the pollen count (usually broadcast along with the weather), and avoid areas of high pollen concentration, such as long grass, lawn mowing, and trees if allergic to these. If you need to work in these environments consider wearing a mask and goggles.
• Avoid unnecessary extra irritants such as smoke and chemical fumes.
• If possible, keep pets outside or away from common living areas, such as living rooms and bedrooms.
• If possible, buy a good, non-bag type of vacuum cleaner. The extra filters in these “cyclone” style cleaners reduces the amount of dust that may be recirculated within the room.
• When going out during the day (in hayfever season), try to wear sunglasses, even if the day is not overly sunny.
• Dust mites are often a major irritant and can cause or worsen suffering. Ensure that bedding is clean. Cuddly toys often harbour mites so wash if possible. If this is not possible, then put the cuddly toy in the freezer overnight to kill the mites and their eggs.
• Consider planting a low allergen garden. Advice on low allergen gardens can be obtained through organisations such as the Asthma Foundation in your state. Your local nursery may also have good advice. There are also some specific books written about low allergy gardens, such as Mark Ragg’s The Low Allergy Garden.
• There are often very good articles in periodicals and magazines which talk about low allergen gardens.
• Avoid close use of mulches, potting mixes and composts, such as when potting up or replanting. These may contain high levels of reactive spores from moulds etc that will exacerbate your symptoms. Either ask someone else to perform these tasks for you or ensure that you wear gloves, dust mask and protective eyewear.