The first extreme pollen count day recorded this spring occurred last Saturday, with warm temperatures and strong winds across Victoria rendering rhinitis sufferers helpless.

Dr Ray Moore from the Central Victorian General Practice Network said a combination of increased rainfall - which aids the growth of grasses that produce pollen - and stronger winds during November and December would cause an increase in allergic reactions.

About one in five people suffer hayfever.

“All the factors would indicate people will experience symptoms a bit sooner than they might have thought,” Dr Moore said.

“Some people’s lives are just miserable because of hayfever, but most people can get relief with some sort of treatment.

“If you’ve got hayfever, asthma or eczema - because those three are generally related - it becomes very important on a high pollen count day to stay inside.”

Other tips for hayfever sufferers include: Avoid going out early in the morning or at night; Stay away from mown grass and do not mow grass; Dry clothes inside on windy days so they do not collect pollen; Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes; and Close doors and windows on windy days.

Dr Moore encouraged people suffering symptoms of hayfever to speak to their GP or pharmacist.