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Can Hay Fever Be a Reason to Take Sick Leave?

Hay fever can range from mildly annoying to genuinely hard to work through. Whether it's a reason to take time off depends on how severe your symptoms are, your circumstances and the kind of work you do.

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Jump to: Is it a reason for sick leave · When it makes work difficult · Treatment · Medical certificate · When to see a doctor · FAQs

Can hay fever be a reason to take sick leave?

Sometimes. Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, can cause sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy or watery eyes and fatigue. For a lot of people, these symptoms are manageable and don't get in the way of a normal work day, especially with treatment.

For others, symptoms can be significant enough to interfere with concentration, sleep or day to day tasks. Mild hay fever on its own doesn't necessarily mean you need a day off, but more severe symptoms affecting your ability to do your job properly are a different matter.

The type of work you do matters too. Someone driving, operating machinery, working at heights or doing other safety-sensitive work may need to think about hay fever symptoms, or the medication used to treat them, differently to someone working at a desk. It comes down to your own circumstances rather than a general rule.

When might hay fever make work difficult?

Symptoms that people commonly associate with a harder day at work include:

  • Persistent sneezing
  • A blocked or runny nose
  • Itchy or watery eyes
  • Headaches or facial pressure
  • Tiredness or disrupted sleep
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Symptoms that get noticeably worse with pollen or outdoor exposure

None of these on their own automatically justifies time off. It's the combination of how significant your symptoms are, how they're affecting you and what your work involves that matters.

What about treating hay fever?

Many people manage hay fever with treatment and continue working as normal. What works well can vary from person to person, so it's worth speaking with a pharmacist or doctor about an option suited to your symptoms and circumstances.

It's also worth knowing that some antihistamines and other hay fever treatments can cause drowsiness or other side effects. That can matter if your job involves driving, operating machinery or other safety-sensitive tasks, so check the packaging or ask a pharmacist about non-drowsy options if this applies to you.

Can I get a medical certificate for hay fever?

If your hay fever symptoms are significant enough that you need to take time off, Sicknotes lets eligible Australians request an Absence from Work Certificate online for personal leave. Your request is reviewed by an AHPRA-Registered Pharmacist.

A certificate isn't issued automatically just because you have hay fever. Every request is individually reviewed, and a certificate is only issued where the pharmacist determines it's appropriate.

  • Only $5, no appointment required
  • Reviewed by AHPRA-Registered Pharmacists
  • Certificate delivered by email
  • No certificate, no charge
Request a Certificate

What evidence might your employer require?

Under the Fair Work Act, employers can ask employees to provide reasonable evidence to support a claim for personal leave, and a medical certificate is one example of that evidence, although individual employers, awards and agreements can have their own requirements.

Requirements can vary between workplaces, so if you're unsure what your employer needs, it's worth checking your own workplace policy. See our guide to personal leave for more detail, or the Fair Work Ombudsman's guidance on sick leave.

When should you seek medical advice?

Ordinary hay fever symptoms are usually manageable, but symptoms that are severe, unusual or noticeably different from your typical hay fever are worth having checked. This can include significant difficulty breathing, significant swelling, or symptoms that don't improve with your usual treatment.

If that sounds like what you're experiencing, please see your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional. In an emergency, call 000 or attend the nearest emergency department.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can hay fever be a reason to take sick leave?
It depends on how significant your symptoms are. Mild hay fever doesn't necessarily require time off, but symptoms severe enough to affect your concentration, sleep or ability to safely do your job may make working difficult, depending on your circumstances and your employer's policy.
Can I get a medical certificate for hay fever?
You can request an Absence from Work Certificate through Sicknotes for eligible personal leave circumstances, including hay fever symptoms significant enough to affect your ability to work. A certificate isn't automatic. It's only issued where the reviewing AHPRA-Registered Pharmacist determines that one is appropriate.
Can I work with hay fever?
Many people continue working with mild to moderate hay fever, particularly with treatment. More significant symptoms, such as poor sleep, difficulty concentrating or effects that matter for safety-sensitive work, can make that harder.
Can hay fever medication affect my ability to work?
Some antihistamines and other hay fever treatments can cause drowsiness or other effects, which can matter if you drive, operate machinery or do other safety-sensitive work. A pharmacist can help you find an option suited to your circumstances.
Do I need a medical certificate for a hay fever sick day?
Your employer may ask you to provide reasonable evidence to support a claim for personal leave. Workplace requirements can vary, so check your employer's policy if you're unsure. If you do need documentation, Sicknotes lets you request an Absence from Work Certificate online for eligible circumstances.

Struggling to work through hay fever?

If your symptoms are significant enough that you need evidence for your absence, you can request an Absence from Work Certificate online with Sicknotes.

Request a Certificate

Only $5 · No certificate, no charge