A person gets Hay Fever by coming into contact with the allergen like pollen, grass, weeds, trees, dust mites, mold and animal dander.
Hay fever is most common in spring when airborne grass pollen is at their peak but you can get hay fever at other times of the year as well especially in warmer climates.
Hay fever which is also called allergic rhinitis, causes cold-like symptoms.
The symptoms of hay fever can include a runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing and sinus pressure.
However unlike a cold, hay fever isn't caused by a virus.
Hay fever is an allergic reaction to the fine powder that plants produce, called pollen, usually when it comes into contact with your mouth, nose, eyes and throat.
To prevent hay fever you should stay indoors when possible during pollen seasons, particularly on windy days or after thunderstorms.
And avoid activities known to cause exposure to pollen, such as mowing grass.
Shower after any outdoor activities where exposure to pollen is high.
And use re-circulated air in the car when pollen levels are high.
The first symptoms you'll often notice with hay fever are itchiness and possibly red patches or eruptions on the skin.
These usually look more like welts than bumps, with edges that are clearly defined.
And the surface of your skin will appear swollen, almost as if you've been scalded.
As time goes on, the spots may increase in size.