Spring brings seasonal allergies for many children and young people.  The most common allergy is hay fever, affecting 1 in 10 teenagers and 1 in 20 young people in Australia. Hay fever or allergic rhinitis can occur all year, but it can worsen in spring and summer.   

Identifying allergies can be hard, especially when symptoms are similar to a cold.  If your child develops cold like symptoms at the same time every year, seasonal allergies may be the cause.  For some children, allergies can also trigger asthma symptoms. 

If you think your child has allergies, including hay fever, speak to your local doctor. Your child may need a skin prick test or a blood test to diagnose their allergy correctly.  

Be wary of unproven allergy tests including cytotoxic food testing, kinesiology, electrodermal testing, pulse testing, reflexology and hair analysis.  These may result in misdiagnosis and incorrect treatment. 

If your child suffers from seasonal allergies try reduce exposure: 

• keep windows closed to stop allergens from coming in the home
• stay indoors where possible, when pollen count is high
• regularly wash hands, and shower and change your child’s clothes after outdoor play. 

For more information on allergic reactions, hay fever and allergy tests see our Allergic reactions and allergy tests Factsheet.