Allergen avoidance – that is, trying to avoid contact with the allergen that triggers your allergic reaction – has the advantage of involving no medical allergy treatment. However, while it may be possible to avoid contact with some allergens, such as those from animals or certain foods, it is nearly impossible to avoid airborne allergens, such as grass pollen.

To help avoid pollen and allergy, the following is recommended.

• Check the daily pollen count using the radio, TV or internet
• Avoid outdoor physical activity when the pollen count is high
• Keep windows closed during the day, and air your home early in the morning and late at night, when the pollen count is the lowest
• Keep your car windows shut when driving during the pollen season, and consider installing a pollen filter
• Avoid smoke/smoking – including passive smoking – as it reinforces the hay fever symptoms
• Dry your laundry indoors, or use a tumble dryer, during the pollen season
• Wash your face and hair before going to bed
• Contact your doctor if you experience coughing, shortness of breath or wheezing when breathing, as these are signs of asthma and require a different treatment to hay fever.

In cases where allergen avoidance is not possible despite the above precautions, the use of medication may be
helpful.