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Hay Fever Severity Score
Answer 5 questions about your symptoms to get an ARIA-based severity classification. This is the same framework used by GPs and pharmacists across the UK to guide treatment decisions.
How Severe Is Your Hay Fever?
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) affects approximately 13 million people in the UK each year, according to the NHS. Symptoms range from mild occasional sneezing to severe nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and disrupted sleep that significantly impacts work and daily life. The Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) classification, used by UK GPs and pharmacists, grades severity into mild, moderate, and severe bands based on symptom frequency and how much they interfere with your normal activities. This free assessment asks five questions about your symptoms over the past seven days and gives you an ARIA-based severity estimate with personalised treatment guidance drawn from NICE CKS Allergic Rhinitis. Understanding your severity level helps you assess which over-the-counter treatment may suit you, or whether it makes sense to consult a prescriber about stronger options like corticosteroid nasal sprays or antihistamine combinations.
Rate Your Symptoms
Rate how much each symptom has bothered you over the past 7 days. If it's not pollen season right now, answer based on your worst recent season.
What Do the ARIA Severity Scores Mean?
| Score | Severity | Recommended Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| 0–4 | Mild | Daily non-drowsy antihistamine (cetirizine or loratadine) |
| 5–9 | Moderate | Antihistamine + intranasal corticosteroid spray |
| 10–15 | Severe | Combination therapy ± GP referral for immunotherapy |
Source: Bousquet J, et al. Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) 2008 Update. Allergy. Endorsed by BSACI (British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology) and referenced in NICE CKS Allergic Rhinitis.
Important
This tool helps you estimate severity for self-assessment only and is not a clinical assessment. Hay fever symptoms can overlap with perennial allergic rhinitis, non-allergic rhinitis, or other conditions. If symptoms are year-round, do not improve with treatment, or you develop severe asthma symptoms, consult your GP. If you have facial pain, fever, or loss of smell, speak to a healthcare professional promptly.
Clinically reviewed by Tahir Hameed, Pharmacist Independent Prescriber (GPhC: 2210908). Last reviewed: April 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is hay fever season in the UK?
In the UK, hay fever season typically runs from late March to September. Tree pollen peaks in March–May, grass pollen (the most common trigger) in May–July, and weed pollen in June–September. The Met Office and BBC provide daily pollen forecasts during the season.
What is the ARIA classification for hay fever?
ARIA (Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma) is an international guideline that classifies hay fever severity as mild, moderate, or severe based on symptom impact on daily activities, sleep, and quality of life. It is used by GPs and pharmacists across the UK to guide treatment decisions.
Can a pharmacist prescribe hay fever treatment?
Yes. UK pharmacists can recommend and sell over-the-counter antihistamines (cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine) and nasal sprays (beclomethasone). Pharmacist independent prescribers can also prescribe stronger treatments such as prescription-only nasal steroids or combination therapies if OTC options are insufficient.
When should I see a GP about hay fever?
See your GP if: over-the-counter treatments don't control your symptoms after 2–4 weeks; you develop wheezing, breathlessness, or chest tightness (possible asthma link); you have facial pain, fever, or loss of smell (may indicate sinusitis); or your symptoms are year-round rather than seasonal.
Does this tool store my symptom data?
No. Your answers and score are calculated entirely in your browser. Nothing is sent to any server, stored, or shared with any third party. You can safely use this tool as many times as you like to track your symptoms over the season.
