First Aid News
Hay Fever
Hay fever sufferers have been warned to stay alert over the coming days as the weather begins to heat-up across Victoria.
Hay fever is the common name for a condition called allergic rhinitis, which means an allergy that mainly affects the nose. However, hay fever can also affect your eyes, throat, sinuses and ears.
Seasonal hay fever occurs mainly in spring and summer and affects people allergic to pollens. Hay fever can also occur all year round – this is called perennial hay fever.
Hay fever is very common and affects up to 30 per cent of children. Children with hay fever commonly also have other allergic conditions like asthma, eczema, or food allergy.
Signs and symptoms of hay fever
If your child has hay fever, they may have:
* frequent bouts of sneezing
* a runny nose
* blocked nose (either one or both nostrils)
* itchy ears, nose, throat and roof of the mouth
* red, itchy, swollen and/or watery eyes
* headaches.
What causes hay fever?
Hay fever is triggered by what we breathe in. The small hairs and mucus in the nose trap dust, pollens and other tiny particles. Someone with hay fever is allergic to some of the particles that get trapped in their nose.
Triggers include:
- pollen (from grasses, flowers, and trees)
- dust mites
- animal fur or hair (dander)
- mould spores.
Treatment for hay fever
Hay fever cannot be cured, but there are a number of ways you can improve the symptoms and give your child some relief.
If your child is allergic to pollen, checking the pollen count for your region can help you be aware when your child's hay fever might be worse.
Your doctor may suggest using medication to help relieve your child's symptoms, such as:
- non-drowsy antihistamines
- steroid nasal sprays, which may be useful for older children.
Your doctor or pharmacist can give advice on which medication may be best for your child.
You can check the daily pollen count here: https://www.melbournepollen.com.au/
If your child suffers from hay fever, please provide their medication and signed attached form to the office for staff to administer when needed. Alternative please use medication before coming to school.