Allergy and hay fever while visiting Sweden
Medically reviewed by Dr Toha Soodhun, specialist in family medicine · 15 November 2026
Swedish pollen can trigger hay fever even in visitors who rarely have symptoms at home. Birch pollen dominates in spring, grass pollen in summer and mugwort in late summer. Typical symptoms are a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, itchy watery eyes and tiredness. Allergy medicines sold without prescription help most people; a doctor can prescribe stronger treatment by video.
Self-care and medicines without prescription
- Antihistamine tablets, a cortisone nasal spray and allergy eye drops are sold without prescription at Swedish pharmacies.
- Take them regularly through the pollen season rather than only on bad days.
- Exercise outdoors in the morning, when dew binds the pollen, and avoid freshly cut grass.
- Rinse pollen out of your hair before going to bed.
What a video doctor can do
- Tell hay fever apart from a cold or sinusitis
- Prescribe stronger treatment when medicines without prescription are not enough
- Renew allergy medicines you use at home, including an adrenaline pen if you have a known severe allergy
Food and insect allergy
If you have a food allergy, tell restaurant staff — they are required to be able to tell you which allergens a dish contains. Always carry your emergency medicines. If you are allergic to wasp or bee stings, see our page on insect bites and stings.
See a doctor in person if…
- Medicines without prescription do not help
- You also get asthma symptoms such as wheezing, cough or breathlessness
- You have symptoms all year round
Our clinics in Gothenburg, Stockholm and Malmö can usually see you the same day (3,200 SEK, or +700 SEK after a video consultation). If you cannot come in, we can visit you at your hotel or home in central Gothenburg, Stockholm or Malmö — see prices.
Seek emergency care or call 112 if…
- Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or hives all over the body with dizziness — use your adrenaline pen if you have one and call 112
Questions
Is it a cold or hay fever?
A cold often comes with a sore throat, sometimes fever and thick mucus. Hay fever gives thin, clear mucus, sneezing and itchy eyes, and lasts as long as the pollen season.
Can I get my allergy medicine prescribed in Sweden?
Yes, after a doctor has assessed you. Bring the packaging or a photo of your prescription to the video call.
See a licensed Swedish doctor by video
2,500 SEK · No personnummer or BankID · Insurance documents included
Get Medical HelpLife-threatening? Call 112.