You can order online from Boots, they do 2 for 1 offers on antihistamines

I second that.

Since I have been using a steroid based nasal spray, and ditched the antihistamines, my hayfever has completely gone.

www.flixonase.co.uk/, you can get it for seven pounds at Boots.

I third that Only note is that Nasonex and Flixonase contain different topical steroids so they might differ in effect. Good to know there is an alternative to Nasonex without prescription though!

Hmmm...

got mine today and no sleepiness but still got my hayfever

I want to have a massive moan about hayfever and the cost of hayfever medication over here.

I have had hayfever (along with allergies to dogs, cats and basically anything fluffy) since I was about 10, but this last few months has been unbearable! I have not had a clear nose....not even for a minute for at least 2 weeks now, even when it rains, it just never gives up. I try sleeping with window open, or shut, makes hardly any difference. I live in a new house (ie....less than 3 years old) so it's nothing to do with allergies to mould or whatever. My nose is just streaming....I have a leekey eye, only one mind you, the other one is ok....although if it comes to peeling onions, thats it...I cannot control my eyes for at least an hour, due to them already being sensitive!!!

Anti-histamines have never reeeeally worked for me, I have tried various different brands in the UK, different non branded ones, different ingredients etc etc, and nose sprays eye drops and so on, but they take the edge off. Nothing here is touching it! Plus for a nose spray (which lasts me just over a week!) and packet of 10 tablets it costs 27 francs!!! In the UK, it would cost about £5.00 for more of each thing!! I know things are more expensive here.....but STILL!!!! And they don't even work.

So yes...just a moan on my part really about hayfever in general, and thecost of medication.

Have you had a proper allergy test? If not, you should visit an allergist (not just a regular GP) and have the scratch test. Regardless of how new your house is, dust mites can be a KILLER! I know because I'm severely allergic to them myself. I have suffered my whole life from dreadful allergies and after the scratch test, I was able to manage them much more effectively. When you have full blown allergies, you have to visit a proper allergist every few years to keep on top of things. Typical run of the mill allergies can be handled and managed by a GP, but it sounds like you don't fall into that category. You need to see an allergist if you want any relief.

As for the expensive meds: Once you figure out what you need, you can always buy in bulk when you're at home wherever possible. But knowing what will work is the first hurdle. Find an allergist ASAP! It's worth it!!

If you go and get tested, better to ask for a blood test. They are more reliable and also that way they can test exactly which allergy component you're allergic to.

Hmm....I might look into that, My doctor in the UK is useless.. He just prescribes me the same thing every time.... which is cheaper over the counter. How does one go about finding an allergy person in Switzerland? I wouldn't even know where to begin?!

There are some websites that show various doctors in Switzerland, the one I used was this http://www.doctor.ch/general-practice/ as you can specify what sort of doctor as well as what Canton. Here is the list of Allergists in Solothurn Canton.

Even armed with such a list though, I tend to ask my GP for recommendation... but I also picked my particular GP partially because he is in a shared practice with doctors with other specialties, including an allergy and dermatology specialist.

Doing old fashion steam, with or without Olbas/Eucaliptus oil, is also really helpful in relieving symptoms. Bowl of hot water and towel over the head job, breathe alternatively thorough nose and mouth.

Anyone else suffering from sneezing and all that which goes along with it today?

Not right now, but I had a brief bout last week, maybe from the big red blossoms on a bush right in front of my lab window, which are wilting now.

When I was young (which was a long, long time ago, oh boy!), I had practically permanent hayfever from March through October, starting even in January or February if I happened to go to Ticino during camellia bloom. In my early twenties the symptoms gradually abated; all that's left at my biblical age now is the odd bout of a few days, depending on whatever blooms that I am allergic to. Never got any kind of treatment other than antihistamines, because desensitization was in its infancy when I was too.

I never have hayfever in the Midwest of the USA, while my Michiganian SOH has it the other way round: all sorts of allergies at home, practically none in Switzerland.

__________________

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YES! I am suffering, ran out of nose spray Dutch doc prescribed so off to find a hausartz monday...

bee (read me)

I am...have been on and off for the past couple of weeks

Would it not be too early?

I've just picked up Norovirus. Does that count?

What is it?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norovirus