Is Hay Fever a Legitimate Reason for Sick Leave?

Yes. Hay fever can be a legitimate reason for sick leave in the UK when symptoms significantly affect your ability to work safely or effectively.

Although often dismissed as “just allergies,” hay fever can cause:

 ●Severe fatigue

● Headaches and sinus pain

● Impaired concentration

● Breathing difficulty

● Eye irritation that affects screen or driving work

If these symptoms interfere with your role, sick leave is medically justified.

Do You Need a Sick Note for Hay Fever?

The same statutory rules apply as for any illness:

● You do not need a sick note for the first 7 calendar days

● You can self-certify during this period

● A sick note is only required if symptoms last longer than 7 days

Many hay fever episodes resolve within the self-certification window, especially with treatment.

Can Employers Refuse Hay Fever Sick Leave?

No. Employers cannot lawfully refuse sick leave simply because the cause is hay fever. They:

● Must treat it as a genuine medical condition

● Cannot accuse employees of exaggeration without evidence

● Cannot demand diagnosis details

 However, employers can reasonably explore adjustments such as:

● Temporary remote work

● Reduced exposure to outdoor environments

● Adjusted duties during high pollen days

If adjustments are not possible and symptoms are severe, sick leave is appropriate.

When Might a Doctor Issue a Sick Note?

A sick note may be issued when:

● Symptoms persist beyond 7 days

● Medication causes side effects (e.g. drowsiness)

● The work environment worsens symptoms

● Productivity or safety is affected

Doctors assess functional impact, not whether hay fever is “serious enough” in theory.

Can Hay Fever Be Assessed Online?

Yes — in most cases.

Hay fever assessment relies on:

● Symptom history

● Duration and severity

● Impact on work tasks

This makes it well suited to remote consultation when symptoms are ongoing but stable.

A legitimate UK service will assess properly and decline requests where medical justification is not met.

For example, Dr Sicks issues sick notes only following clinician review, not automatic approval.

Key Takeaways

● Hay fever can justify sick leave

● Self-certification applies for 7 days

● Employers must act reasonably

● Sick notes may be issued for prolonged or severe symptoms

● Online assessment can be appropriate