Hayfever injections consist of a steroid being being injected into the buttock muscle; the steroid is an anti-inflammatory, immune suppressing agent that helps suppress the symptoms of hayfever for months.

Sometimes a higher dose is needed according to body weight (at a higher cost).

It is a quick and relatively painless intramuscular injection into the buttock.

Steroids have been used for hayfever injections (as well as for treating a number of other conditions) for many years so the procedure is safe and well established.

This treatment is not suitable for people with active, or significant previous, mental health concerns or mood disorders.

Steroids are immune-modulating agents and so injections for hayfever can potentially render you more prone to infections of all types.

Some people feel 'wired' after an injection of steroids, with difficulty sleeping and resting - unfortunately once injected the steroid is in your system, but this side effect does tend to settle anyway if it does occur.

Occasionally people have reported a large dimple at the injection site, thought to be due to loss of fatty tissue at the site of injection. This tends to be permanent.

Generally people with a history of mental ill health should not have steroid injections for hayfever - significant effects on mood and mental health can occur, especially with a history of similar in the past.

You can continue normal life immediately.

There may be mild discomfort in the buttock, and you may feel 'wired' for a day or two but for most people there are no side effects, and any that do occur settle quickly.

Treatment starts to take effect after a day or two but can take a week or more. Most people find one injection for hayfever will last them a season but occasionally people need a second treatment a few months after the first.