Relieve the symptoms for the entire season

For one in four people, the arrival of warmer weather marks the beginning of an annual struggle against ‘hay fever season’ which can lead to ongoing symptoms such as a runny nose, sore eyes and sneezing. Combined with a ‘foggy’ head, these symptoms can cause significant obstruction to everyday life. Consultation with your local Health Plus Pharmacists may be useful for planning the way through hay fever season and finding easy solutions to reduce discomfort and make things more bearable.

  • Reduce hay fever symptoms for the entire season
  • Professionally administered injection
  • Convenient, safe and reliable

Private hay fever treatment

Prepare yourself for spring and summer with an injection to help prevent symptoms of hay fever. There’s really no need to suffer the sneezing, runny nose, irritated eyes and other symptoms that come when pollen counts reach escalate.

Our private hay fever treatment can provide a vital lifeline for you to enjoy your life as normal. Patients generally only require one injection to reduce symptoms for the entire hay fever season. Not only are injection treatments for hay fever more convenient than having to remember to take tablets every day, but the jabs also contain a slightly lower dose than the tablet form – without compromising on the results!

Private hay fever treatments are no longer available on the NHS, so the only way to get a safe, reliable and professionally administered injection is to opt for treatment at one of our local Heath Plus Pharmacies.

Free NHS hay fever products

You can receive advice and selected free treatment for hay fever as its covered within the Common Ailments Service.

Free NHS hay fever treatments include:

  • Hay fever spray
  • Hay fever tablets
  • Hay fever eye drops

Summary of PRIVATE Hay fever TREATMENT

Price: £50 per dose.

When to get hay fever treatment: Late March.

Time: 15 mins includes your private consultation and private hay fever treatment.

How it is given: All adult private hay fever treatment are injected into the buttock.

Length of protection: Our private hay fever treatment will last you a whole hay fever season.

Side effects: It’s possible to experience shortand long-term side effects from the injection treatment, such as swelling, breathing difficulties, itchy skin, abdominal pain, raised blood pressure and raised blood sugar, among others.

Age: 18 & over.

Location of Clinics: Grangetown, Llandaff, Whitchurch,  Cardiff & Pontypool

FREE NHS Hay fever Treatments Available

Hay fever spray

Hay fever tablets

Hay fever eye drops


About the private hay fever treatment

The private hay fever treatment alleviates symptoms by temporarily suppressing the body’s immune response. Steroids are administered through an IntraMuscular (IM) injection into the buttock, delivering a low dose directly into the muscle. Over a three-week period, the steroids gradually seep into the bloodstream.

It takes a few seconds and is not a very painful injection as the substance itself is not irritating to the tissue.

Once the private hay fever treatment is administered, the effects last for a minimum of three weeks, with many people experiencing relief from symptoms that lasts the entire season. Usually one dose of the private hay fever treatment is enough. It’s not recommended that anyone have more than two injections per hay fever season.

Private hay fever treatment schedule

If you regularly experience hay fever symptoms every year, you should consider getting the single dose of the private hay fever treatment before the start of the season. You can also have the private hay fever treatment at any time after the appearance of hay fever symptoms.

Occasionally a second dose of the private hay fever treatment may be needed. The doctor will discuss this with you. It is not recommended that anyone have more than 80mg (2 injections) per season except in exceptional circumstances.

People over 18 can have the private hay fever treatment. You may be asked proof of identity at your appointment - if you are found to be under 18 years of age, we will not be able to provide you with the private hay fever treatment.  You must be fit and well with no medical conditions, otherwise your treatment may be declined.


How effective is the private hay fever treatment

The private hay fever treatment helps many people with their symptoms of severe hay-fever. For many people it completely relieves the symptoms for the entire season and for others it reduces the severity of the symptoms to a point where adding other treatments can allow life to carry on as normal.

Private hay fever treatment benefits

Despite potential risks, the private hay fever treatment offers some advantages:

  • Convenience: A single injection can alleviate symptoms for the entire season, making it more convenient than daily tablets.
  • Lower potency than steroid tablets: The injection’s lower dose may result in milder side effects compared to steroid tablets.
  • Effectiveness: Many individuals experience significant symptom relief, improving their quality of life during hay fever season.

Who should have the private hay fever treatment

People who suffer from severe hay fever symptoms and have exhausted all medical options via your local GP/local Health Plus Pharmacists.

Who should not have the private hay fever treatment

The private hay fever treatment is not recommended for people with:

  • Active infection
  • Bone/joint related conditions
  • Bowel related issues
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Diabetes
  • Epilepsy
  • Glaucoma
  • Hypertension
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Recent or pending surgeries

Is the hay fever injection good?

Hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) is the basic response from your autoimmune system which is trying to prevent the pollen from entering your body. Although pollen is not dangerous to your health, the body has a heightened reaction to it and this is when patients experience itchy nose and eyes, running nose, sneezing and nasal congestion. The period one might experience these symptoms varies on the area they live in. Usually, it starts in late spring and continues up until September.

The UK is particularly affected by pollen. Trees can begin to produce pollen in late January and some grasses continue producing pollen until September so depending on what you’re allergic to, the season can be many months. Between 10-15% (figure may vary) of us suffer from hay fever symptoms. Of those people with hay fever, about 10% do not respond to conventional, easily available treatments like anti-histamine tablets, nasal sprays and eye drops. Severe hay fever symptoms can ruin peoples summers and have a detrimental effect on quality of life. It may also prevent people from being able to work optimally.

Many of these people consider the private hay fever treatment to help them get through the season.

Symptoms of hay fever?

  • Sneezing and coughing
  • A runny or blocked nose
  • Itchy, red or watery eyes
  • Itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
  • Loss of smell
  • Pain around your temples and forehead
  • Headache caused by a stuff nose
  • Earache
  • Feeling tired

If you have asthma, you might also:

  • Have a tight feeling in your chest
  • Be short of breath
  • Wheeze and cough

We recommend that you seek advice from your Doctor if you have any of these symptoms, so that you can get a correct diagnosis.

Hay fever will last for weeks or months, unlike a cold, which usually goes away after 1 to 2 weeks.

Can you advise any other hay fever precautions?

It is advised that you try treating hay fever with the following methods before deciding to take the private hay fever treatment:

  • Apply a barrier balm (like Vaseline) around your nostrils to trap pollen
  • Wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes
  • Shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to wash pollen off
  • Stay indoors whenever possible
  • Keep windows and doors shut as much as possible
  • Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth
  • Avoid drying clothes outside if the pollen count is high
  • Buy a pollen filter for the air vents in your car and a vacuum cleaner with a special HEPA filter

It's always advisable to check the pollen forecast on the Met Office website. This will help you get better prepared to ease the effects of hay fever.

How long does the private hay fever treatment last?

Once the injection is administered, the effects last for a minimum of three weeks, with many people experiencing relief from symptoms that lasts the entire season. Usually one dose of the private hay fever treatment is enough to protect you for the spring and summer months. It’s not recommended that anyone has more than two injections per hay fever season.

Side effects of the private hay fever treatment

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

The private hay fever treatment may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • (after injection into a joint space) increased pain or swelling, joint stiffness, fever, and general ill feeling
  • blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights
  • unusual changes in mood or behavior
  • swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath
  • stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody or tarry stools, rectal irritation
  • sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body)
  • a seizure (convulsions)
  • severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears
  • increased pressure inside the skull--severe headaches, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes
  • signs of low adrenal gland hormones-flu-like symptoms, headache, depression, weakness, tiredness, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, craving salty foods, and feeling light-headed.

Certain side effects may be more likely with long-term use or repeated doses of the private hay fever treatment, such as osteoporosis.

Steroids can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using the private hay fever treatment.

Common side effects of the private hay fever treatment may include:

 
  • skin changes (acne, dryness, redness, bruising, discoloration)
  • increased hair growth, or thinning hair
  • nausea, bloating, appetite changes
  • stomach or side pain
  • cough, runny or stuffy nose
  • fluid retention
  • headache, sleep problems (insomnia)
  • a wound that is slow to heal
  • sweating more than usual
  • changes in your menstrual periods

Serious side effects of the private hay fever treatment

 

Along with its needed effects, the active ingredient in the private hay fever treatment may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking the private hay fever treatment:

More common:

 
  • aggression
  • agitation
  • anxiety
  • blurred vision
  • decrease in the amount of urine
  • dizziness
  • fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
  • headache
  • irritability
  • mental depression
  • mood changes
  • nervousness
  • noisy, rattling breathing
  • numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
  • pounding in the ears
  • shortness of breath
  • swelling of the fingers, hands, feet, or lower legs
  • trouble thinking, speaking, or walking
  • troubled breathing at rest
  • weight gain

Incidence not known

 
  • abdominal cramping and/or burning (severe)
  • abdominal pain
  • backache
  • bloody, black, or tarry stools
  • cough or hoarseness
  • darkening of skin
  • decreased vision
  • diarrhea
  • dry mouth
  • eye pain
  • eye tearing
  • facial hair growth in females
  • fainting
  • fatigue
  • fever or chills
  • flushed, dry skin
  • fractures
  • fruit-like breath odor
  • full or round face, neck, or trunk
  • heartburn and/or indigestion (severe and continuous)
  • increased hunger
  • increased thirst
  • increased urination
  • loss of appetite
  • loss of sexual desire or ability
  • lower back or side pain
  • menstrual irregularities
  • muscle pain or tenderness
  • muscle wasting or weakness
  • nausea
  • pain in back, ribs, arms, or legs
  • painful or difficult urination
  • skin rash
  • sleeplessness
  • sweating
  • trouble healing
  • trouble sleeping
  • unexplained weight loss
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • vision changes
  • vomiting
  • vomiting of material that looks like coffee grounds

Other side effects of the private hay fever treatment

 

Some side effects of the private hay fever treatment may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

 
  • blemishes on the skin
  • bruising
  • dry, scaly skin
  • feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
  • full or bloated feeling
  • increased appetite
  • increased hair growth on the face, forehead, back, arms, and legs
  • large, flat, blue, or purplish patches in the skin
  • pimples
  • pitting or depression of the skin at the injection site
  • reddish purple lines on the arms, face, legs, trunk, or groin
  • redness of the skin
  • redness, swelling, tenderness, or pain at the injection site
  • sensation of spinning
  • small, red, or purple spots on the skin
  • thin, fragile, or shiny skin
  • thinning of the scalp hair
  • eye tearing
  • facial hair growth in females
  • fainting
  • fatigue
  • fever or chills
  • flushed, dry skin
  • fractures
  • fruit-like breath odor
  • full or round face, neck, or trunk
  • heartburn and/or indigestion (severe and continuous)
  • increased hunger

Can I get some hay fever treatments free via the Common Ailment NHS Scheme?

Yes you can receive free advice and hay fever treatments via the Common ailment NHS scheme.

Free NHS hay fever treatments include:

  • Hay fever spray
  • Hay fever tablets
  • Hay fever eye drops

Book and appointment with your local Health Plus Pharmacist in Cardiff or Pontypool to take advantage of the Common Ailment NHS Scheme

When will the pollen season end?

The pollen season is different for different plants and, put simply, it lasts from early spring to late autumn:

  • Tree Pollen = Mid to late March to mid-May
  • Grass Pollen = Mid-May to July
  • Weed Pollen = End of June to September

With global warming on the horizon, it might be that our pollen season will get longer and longer. Here’s what to expect:

Mid to late March to mid-May

First pollen each year is the tree pollen, from mid to late March to mid-May. The season for each tree species lasts three to four weeks. These trees (listed from early to late with respect to their season) are associated with the typical allergy symptoms:

  • Hazel
  • Alder
  • Poplar
  • Ash
  • Birch
  • Oak

If there was a harsh winter, then the start of the pollen season will be delayed.

Mid-May to July

Next is the grass pollen season, which begins in mid-May and ends in July. Grass pollen allergy is more common than a tree or weed pollen allergy. Grass pollen grains are relatively large and tend to cause a blocked nose and sore eyes more than irritate the lungs. Foxtail, oat, dogstail, timothy and meadow grasses are most usually associated with allergy in the UK. The grasses release their pollen from April to July.

End of June to September

Finally, the weed pollen season overlaps and extends beyond the grass pollen season - from the end of June to September, the exact duration depending on the species of weed. Dock weed has the longest pollen season. Other weeds associated with pollen allergy include nettle, sorrel and ragweed.

Note that brightly coloured garden plants, like roses, are not much associated with an allergy because their pollen grains are too heavy to be widely dispersed by the wind (they are distributed from plant to plant by insects like bees that are attracted to the bright colours).

The weather also affects the pollen count in the air on a particular day. There is more on a sunny day, less on a rainy day. Cloudy days are associated with a build-up of pollen in plants that are released as soon as the weather improves.

Time of day

The time of day also affects the likelihood of encountering pollen allergens.

Be aware that:

  • Grass releases pollen from around 7 in the morning - later if the ground is damp. Though some grass species don’t release their pollen until the afternoon.
  • Birch trees release their pollen between noon and 6 pm.
  • Warm air lifts pollen high into the atmosphere during the day. When air cools down, as dusk falls, pollen starts to descend. You may well be exposed to one of these ‘pollen showers’ in the early hours of the morning if you sleep with a window open.

These are just guidelines. For more detailed information, see the Met Office chart on typical pollen seasons for different plants. If you have hay fever, you should take pollen forecasts as seriously as the weather forecast and know when to step up your allergen avoidance precautions.

Good ideas include:

  • Washing your hair and changing your clothes when you get home
  • Wash all of your laundry including clothes and bedding, with hypoallergenic laundry detergent
  • Clean your home with allergy friendly cleaning products
  • Use a mask or scarf to cover your nose or a dab of Vaseline inside each nostril
  • Consider investing in a high-quality air purifier to filter pollen grains out of indoor air

If you have hay fever, you are allergic to pollen - the microscopic grain released by the male part of a flower. So you’ll be only too familiar with the following allergy symptoms:

  • Sneezing
  • Itchy nose, mouth, throat, eyes
  • Watery eyes
  • Blocked or streaming nose

Allergen avoidance is not easy when it comes to pollen, but it’s not impossible. Pollen grains are small and light (ranging in size from 0.5 to 100 microns) and they are very widely dispersed - so pollen allergy is as much a problem in the city as in the country. Indeed, pollen grains have even been found several miles out at sea - that’s how far they can travel.