Spring is sprung, the grass is riz, or at least, is about to, along with spring sniffles, sneezes and other allergic reactions.
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) urges people not to suffer in silence, and pharmacists to prepare for the onslaught of queries around symptom amelioration.
More than three million or some 15% of Australians may experience troublesome symptoms such as nasal congestion, itchy red or watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing during the spring season.
More critically, people with related conditions like asthma are also encouraged to think ahead as studies show up to 80% of people with asthma also experience symptoms of hay fever, GSK has said.
A new website registering the daily pollen count can be found at www.HayFeverHelp.com.au to give those with a sensitivity the opportunity to assess their risk before going out into the weather.
They can also join the chatter on social media by using the tag #HayFeverHelp.
GSK urges patients to consult their healthcare professional about their hay fever symptoms and act earlier rather than later.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 31 Aug 16
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