Pollen counts are high around the country.
The HSE has moved to clarify the differences between the symptoms of hay fever and the coronavirus.
With Met Éireann warning of high pollen counts across the country, hay fever may begin affecting people around this time.
When it comes to the differences between the two conditions, the Health Service Executive says: "Hay fever symptoms get worse when you are exposed to certain triggers. For example pollen, weeds or grass. Hay fever does not cause a high temperature and most people with hay fever do not feel unwell."
The most common symptoms of coronavirus, on the other hand, are a fever, a cough and shortness of breath.
"While coronavirus can cause symptoms in your upper airways such as loss of smell or a blocked nose, it is usually associated with a high temperature, aches and pains and a cough," the HSE said.
Hay fever can also result in a cough, but this is usually accompanied by symptoms like sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itching or watery eyes, and an itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears.
The HSE advises: "Over the counter medicines from your pharmacy can help to treat the symptoms of hay fever. If you take steroid nasal sprays you should continue to do so."
You can find out more here.
