FACT CHECK: Can COVID-19 lead to asthma and hayfever?

COVID-19 infection can lead to ongoing asthma and a leading respiratory physician says it’s “quite possible” it could also cause hayfever.

Respiratory physician at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Dr Lou Irving, says those who’ve had COVID-19 are “certainly more susceptible to asthma”.

“In our long COVID clinic we’re seeing people presenting with new asthma.

Dr Irving says while he hasn’t seen data on a link between COVID-19 and hayfever it’s “quite possible”.

Press PLAY below to hear why so many people are experiencing hayfever at the moment, despite low grass pollen counts