Research shows 53 per cent of Australians never consult a GP for hay fever advice

New consumer research[1] shows one in two (53%) Australians with hay fever have never sought advice from their GP to manage their symptoms. Australians with hay fever are exhausting a wide range of options with fifty percent searching for advice online as their symptoms continue through spring, rather than turning to a doctor. One in five Australians with hay fever said they are unaware that a doctor can offer advice and treatment for hay fever symptoms.

The ‘Tried-It-All’ hay fever campaign (promoted via the website hayfeverhelp.com.au) is launching today with Dr Ginni Mansberg as ambassador. The campaign reminds hay fever sufferers who feel they have ‘tried-it-all’ to consider visiting their doctor for advice. The campaign website features a humorous educational animation  sharing the story of ‘Tried-It-All’ patients, general hay fever information and information about the role a GP can play. It also features a blog by Dr Ginni Mansberg.

According to Dr Mansberg, GPs can be a forgotten, yet important, resource in the battle to manage hay fever symptoms.

“Some people struggle terribly to manage their hay fever symptoms. Those who suffer in spring may go through the whole season without finding relief. Others battle their triggers all year round,” Dr Mansberg says. “Many don’t realise a doctor can help.”

“There is a misconception that hay fever is a minor condition and not something to visit the doctor about. When people believe they’ve exhausted other options and are still suffering, a doctor can really help. A doctor knows your medical history, will only recommend treatments that are evidence-based and can help people get on top of their condition,” said Dr Mansberg.

The research shows that the most common reason hay fever sufferers give for not visiting their doctor is, “I don’t think hay fever is a condition that justifies a visit to the doctor” (159 respondents). Gen Y (21 – 35 year olds) most commonly responded “I don’t have time” (21%).

The majority of hay fever sufferers are trying over-the-counter medications (77%) for relief. Hay fever sufferers are also seeking advice from search engines (50%), health apps (31%) and trying a range of options such as natural remedies (20%), honey (10%) and acupuncture (3%).

Other findings of the research include:

• One in five (22%) people (out of 776 respondents) with hay fever say they have been forced to take a day off work due to being unable to get their hay fever symptoms under control.
• Two in three (68%) respondents suffer from hay fever mainly in spring.
• One in four (25%) Australian hay fever sufferers say their annual expenses are increased by at least $100 due to hay fever.

If you have any questions about your hay fever symptoms, speak to your doctor.

Additional Information:

Dr Ginni Mansberg has been paid a consultant’s fee to support the GSK sponsored, unbranded disease education campaign called ‘Tried-It-All hay fever’. In relation to this GSK media announcement, the opinions expressed by Dr Mansberg are her own. Dr Mansberg has been briefed by GSK on the Medicines Australia Code of Conduct.

You can follow GSK (@GSK_AU) and Dr Ginni Mansberg (@Dr_Ginni) on Twitter for more updates on the ‘Tried-It-All’ hay fever campaign or join the conversation online using the hashtag #TriedItAll.

GSK– one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.  For further information please visit. www.au.gsk.com . GlaxoSmithKline Australia Pty Ltd. ABN 47 100 162 481. Melbourne, VIC.

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[1] 'Allergic Rhinitis in Australia' McCrindle consumer research, commissioned by GSK. Quantitative online survey conducted 8-14th September 2015 of 1,027 Australian respondents aged 18 years and over who selected suffering from hay fever.