Rhinitis Treatment Care

she is taking piriton for her hay fever and up all night coughing, could this have a derogatory effect upon SAT/end of year assessments?

Lately as the pollen levels have been getting high, several people i know including me have been suffering a lot at school, particularly in lessons. I take hay fever tablets everyday, but hey seem to do almost nothing. I have tried eye drops and nasal sprays and again they don’t seem to help.
Its a real problem, especially in lessons such as PE. I really think it is affecting my work in school.
It may seem a vague question, but is there ANYTHING I can do at school or at home to relieve the symptoms?

It is not contagious, it is just a stuffy nose and watery eyes right? There should be no problem. Also, how long does it last?