It's itchy, runny, and sneezy season

Northland's dry summer weather is causing havoc for people prone to hay fever - and may also be affecting their love lives.

Kamo pharmacist David Postlewaight said hundreds of people had bought antihistamine medication since the hay-fever season began in late October. "This summer has been a lot worse than other summers for hay fever," he said.

About six to 12 people arrived each day with symptoms such as itchy eyes, runny noses and sneezing, he said.

Mr Postlewaight expected the season to last until the end of summer - and possibly through to March, if the weather remained windy and dry.

Meanwhile, an expert warns severe symptoms could place victims at increased risk of crashing while driving and cause problems for romantics.

Allergy specialist Dr Allen Liang said hay-fever symptoms caused many problems. "If you sneeze a lot, it can be dangerous for the driver and the public as well because you are actually temporarily blinded when you sneeze."

Constant rubbing of itchy eyes could also damage the cornea, he said.

Interactions with the opposite sex might also be threatened.

"For example, whenever somebody came near a highly fragrant female and started to sneeze their head off then they cannot kiss properly," Dr Liang said.

Symptoms could also distract people from work and cause sleeplessness.

Dr Liang said "hay fever" usually referred to a variety of allergens.

People could react to pollen, dust mites and animal dander - not only hay.

"It should be called allergic rhinitis, which means the allergic reaction of the lining of the nose.

"This actually is a body defence to try to wash out the things that irritate the body."

Sufferers should see their GP and, if needed, a specialist to ease symptoms, he said.

Victims should also beware of "cheap traps" offering a quick and easy cure for allergies.

"There are some people who claim to be able to test everything under the sun for allergies if you send a specimen of hair to an overseas laboratory.

"It is a charlatan-type of territory."

About 40 per cent of Kiwis are estimated to suffer from hay fever, the Auckland Allergy Clinic says. APNZ