It comes as one health professional warned that university and new Wagga residents are the most at risk of being ‘taken out’ by hay fever. 

An extremely wet  and rainy winter has led to an abnormal increase in tree pollen production.

Coupled with normal pollen production from crops such as canola, Wagga is prime space for an extreme hay fever season.

Murrumbidgee Local Health District’s respiratory transitional nurse practitioner Linda Geale said those at risk needed to take action now against hay fever symptoms. 

The last two weeks of October were usually the worst as it coincided with thunder storms which also brought on asthma attacks.

“We have a fairly unique occurrence here in Wagga with high pollen levels,” Ms Geale said.

The health specialist recommended that any medication scripts or consultations be undertaken at the start of spring.

Those who have recently moved to the Wagga area who suffered from mild hay fever symptoms may find them exacerbated by the region’s conditions, Ms Geale said.

“We really want people to get back on their action plans,” she said.

Pharmacies across Wagga were also bracing for a spike in customers seeking sweet relief from runny noses and sore throats.

Northside Pharmacy’s Libby Cruikshank said those with hay fever symptoms could purchase non-drowsy once a day anti-histamines and nasal spray.

It was better to be safe rather than sorry and go to the doctor early to get checked out for any vulnerabilities to pollen, she said.

“The idea is to get into treatments as soon as possible,” Ms Cruikshank said.

But it could also be a simple as keeping windows and doors closed to prevent pollen from spreading inside people’s houses and making symptoms worse. 

“Its about reducing your exposure to symptoms,” Ms Cruikshank said.