Itchy, watery eyes? Sniffly nose? Scratchy throat?

Congratulations, friend: you have hay fever. And even if you don’t, you probably will soon – experts are warning this could be the worst season of hay fever we’ve seen in years.

A significant proportion of the Australian population looks forward to the improving weather that comes with spring and summer with trepidation.

This is because around 30% of the population is allergic to pollen. The allergic response can include hay fever, asthma and conjunctivitis...all three if you're unlucky.

Experts are warning more pollen than usual is set to hit the east coast of Australia.

Associate Professor Ed Newbigin from the University of Melbourne, who specialises in hayfever, allergy and flowering plants, says a record wet season is behind a burst in pasture grass growth.

Experts are warning more pollen than usual is set to hit the east coast of Australia.

Associate Professor Ed Newbigin from the University of Melbourne, who specialises in hayfever, allergy and flowering plants, says a record wet season is behind a burst in pasture grass growth.

2016 spring is expected to be the worst for hay fever in half a decade, with sufferers already the worse for wear and preparing for the 'real misery' to come.

A wet winter is set to give way to a sneezy spring in south-eastern Australia, with this hayfever season predicted to be the worst in years.

A wet winter is set to give way to a sneezy spring in south-eastern Australia, with this hayfever season predicted to be the worst in years.

This spring is expected to be the worst for hay fever in half a decade and it's already here for some of us.

While there's a temptation to curse the bright wattles that start flowering at this time of year, Melbourne University pollen counter Ed Newbigin said the real culprits are far less conspicuous.