Is hay fever contagious?

Hay fever is not contagious. Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction to pollen from trees, grass, or weeds. The immune system overreacts to these allergens, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose.

The cause of hay fever is therefore an allergy, not a bacterial or viral infection, which means it cannot be passed from person to person.

Anyone who is sensitive to the allergens in question can develop symptoms, but the condition itself cannot be "passed on" like a cold or flu.

These symptoms are only caused by exposure to pollen or other allergens, and not by contact with other people.

Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hay-fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20373039

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-09-04 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2025