What is the hay fever injection? How does it work  and is it safe?
Sign up for Daily Star Hot Topics newsletter for the most exciting real life, fashion and sex tips HOT off the press Invalid Email Something went wrong, please try again later. Yes, put some glamour in my life Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice  People who suffer from hay fever have an allergic reaction to pollen when it comes into contact with their mouth, eyes, nose or throat. This can lead to unpleasant symptoms such as itchy eyes, runny noses and headaches. There have been high levels of pollen across the UK due to the warm, humid and windy weather across the last few weeks. Many people suffer from hay fever, some experience mild symptoms whereas others have a severe allergic reaction to the pollen. For people who suffer from severe cases of hay fever, a hay fever injection has was made to help relieve symptoms. (Image: Getty Images/Cultura RF)  The hay fever injection is called Kenalog, and is a steroid called triamcinolone that is injected into a large muscle - the buttock (gluteal muscle). The injection does not cure hay fever but helps relieve symptoms when other remedies or treatments such as nasal sprays, antihistamine tablets or drops have not worked. The injection can last up to three weeks or the entire hay fever season, relieving symptoms of severe hay fever. The hay fever injection is only offered from private clinics, and it is not available on the NHS. The NHS offered the hay fever injection years ago, but have since determined that the potential risks out way benefits for people. Once the steroid is injected, it travels from to muscle throughout the body for three to eight weeks. As it travels it should offer relief from hay fever symptoms but this could take up to 7-14 days to work. The injection is said to relieve symptoms for a minimum of three weeks but some people have experienced the relief for the course of the season. For some, it could offer a short term relief of their symptoms or a minor change, others a longer length of relief. It is recommended that only one dose of the injection is given by a private clinic per hay fever season. Taking steroid medication can leave people experiencing some strong side effects. Possible side effects from the hay fever injection include:  Raised blood pressure    Rashes on the skin    Fatigue    Swelling in the feels, ankles or legs    Other more serious side effects include:    Difficulty breathing    Abdominal pain    Insomnia    Loss of taste    Itchy skin  (Image: Getty Images)  As it is an injection, the steroids leak into the bloodstream so if people suffer from any of these possible side effects they could last up to three weeks. Receiving the steroid injection could affect any existing health conditions such as diabetes, stomach ulcers or infections. If you are thinking of getting the hay fever injection it is vital that you speak to your GP or qualified medical professional first to help establish if this is the best option for you and if it is safe for you.