Hay fever is a prevalent condition in Australia, with a record one-in-four people suffering from it this year. Unpredictable weather patterns mean people are experiencing hay fever symptoms throughout the year, with doctors and optometrists seeing an increase in patients presenting with hay fever symptoms, despite the pollen season typically starting in October.
Dr Jenny Huang, a GP in Geelong and a member of Doctors for the Environment Australia, usually sees three to four patients a week who are seeking relief from hay fever. She has noticed an uptick in the numbers recently.