Melbourne, 7 September 2026
84% of Australians living with hay fever say it changes their behaviour, with many avoiding outdoor activities, losing sleep or cancelling social plans.
With both nose and eyes commonly affected by hay fever, two in three (66%) say hay fever symptoms continue getting in the way of everyday life despite taking medication.
Ryaltris Allergy, previously available only by prescription, is now available over the counter through pharmacies, expanding access to another treatment option for Australians with hay fever symptoms.
With spring in full bloom, millions of Australians are once again preparing for hay fever season. Hay fever affects more than 6 million Australians, yet research suggests many put up with disruptive symptoms that continue to interfere with their everyday lives.1,2
A new YouGov survey commissioned by CSL Seqirus highlights that many Australians are putting up with the impact of hay fever as part of everyday life, with 84% reporting they change their behaviour because of their symptoms. More than one in four avoid spending time outdoors (28%), while a quarter lose sleep (25%). Others avoid exercising outdoors (20%), cancel social plans (18%), continue working or studying despite feeling unwell (21%), or miss work or study (10%).
The findings suggest that while nose and eye symptoms are the most common, their impact extends well beyond the physical symptoms, affecting many Australians' everyday lives. Only 7% describe their symptoms as easy to manage, with two in three (66%) respondents taking medication reporting that their symptoms at least sometimes get in the way of day-to-day life.
Australians are being encouraged to review whether their current treatment is still meeting their needs and speak with their pharmacist about the treatment options available to them.
Sarah Emery, Chief Executive Officer at Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia said the findings reflect the reality many Australians living with hay fever experience every year.
"Too often people adjust their lives around hay fever instead of recognising that ongoing symptoms are worth discussing with a healthcare professional. Many people are not aware that there are different ways to manage hay fever, and the most appropriate approach will depend on their symptoms and individual circumstances.
"Speaking with a pharmacist or GP can help people understand the treatment options available, rather than simply accepting hay fever as something they have to live with." commented Ms Emery.
A community pharmacist and owner of TerryWhite Chemmart in Hawthorn, Andrew Farmer said the findings reflect conversations he has with patients every spring.
"Many people judge their hay fever by whether they can get through the day, rather than whether their symptoms are actually well controlled. They may not even realise what well-controlled hay fever looks like. If hay fever is affecting your sleep, work or your ability to enjoy being outdoors, it's worth talking to your pharmacist or GP about whether your current approach is still the right one for you.
"Community pharmacists are well placed to help people understand the treatment options available based on their symptoms. For some people, an over the counter option may be appropriate, while others may benefit from seeing their GP if their symptoms are more persistent or severe."
Claire Morgan, APAC Head of Medical Affairs at CSL Seqirus, said making Ryaltris Allergy available over the counter through pharmacy represents an important step in improving access to treatment.
"Hay fever affects millions of Australians every year, yet this research suggests many continue putting up with symptoms that affect their everyday lives.
"Making Ryaltris Allergy available over the counter means Australians with hay fever symptoms now have another treatment option to select from or discuss with their pharmacist, helping improve access to appropriate, timely care when symptoms are not well controlled."
Ryaltris Allergy is available over the counter in most major pharmacies nationwide.
