Get the antihistamines now hay fever sufferers _ the dreaded season has begun.
With the combination of above average rainfall and the warmer weather creeping in, pollen counts are predicted to boom throughout October in the Goulburn Valley.
With Victoria recording the first moderate level of pollen count on Tuesday, Balanced Health pharmacist Steve Reid said people in the region have been caught ``off guard'' and are already seeking medical treatment for their runny noses, itchy eyes and sore throats.
``Usually the season kicks off in September but it seems things have began a bit earlier this year,'' Dr Reid said.
``People weren't ready for it and a really struggling now.
Dr Reid said there were different types of hay fever sufferers, which all had appropriate treatment.
``People who are regular sufferers of hay fever should take preventative treatment in nasal spray form,'' he said.
``If those people are having a bad, combination therapy is a good way of treatment, so along with the sprays, have a few tablets as well.
``Those tablets can be used on people with the normal symptoms of hay fever and that should fix them.''
Dr Reid said hay fever would cause asthma attacks and eczema outbreaks.
He said parents needed to be monitoring children through the season and have the proper treatment with them at all times.
``I think people just need to be a bit more careful during the season and stay away from hay fever triggers such as staying inside during high pollen count days or staying out of the garden.
Dr Reid said people who continued to suffer after receiving medication should seek further treatment from their doctor.