Fall is just around he corner. In the next few months many of us may notice an uptick in sinus activity and with it the risk for potential increase in allergy-like symptoms, colds, and cold sores. There are some ways you can help prevent colds, flu,and cold sores. If you really want to stave off their threats to your health, it is best to start now.
Fall Allergies
Many may not realize that the fall season can cause problems for allergy sufferers. But the fall is no reprieve from allergies. The triggers may be different by the annoyance and inconvenience are the same. According to WebMD fall allergies are caused by ragweed, mold and dust mites.
Children have difficulty with allergies in the fall as well. Schools are filled with dust mites, mold and chalk dust that can wreak havoc for a child with allergies. In fact, children often show a sharp spike in asthma symptoms in September and October because of the exposure to these allergens.
If you are unsure if you have fall allergies here are some symptoms to look out for:
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Itchy eyes and nose
- Dark circles under the eyes
While it may be difficult to eliminate the causes of many fall allergies. If you are allergic to mold you can reduce it’s threat by changing the air filters to reduce the threat of pollen in your house and cleaning up dead leaves before mold has a chance to form.
Colds and Flu
If your symptoms are more severe than those of seasonal allergies, you may be experiencing a cold or flue. Often the symptoms of colds and flu are very similar. It can be difficult to tell which you are experiencing. There are several tools you can use to help determine what you might be suffering from. One useful tool is a chart to determine if you are suffering from a cold, flu, or other ailment. Just remember, in matters of sickness it is always best to consult your doctor.
One way to help decrease the risk of getting a flu is to take a flu vaccine. This small step can help your immune system more easily fight off impending viruses and decrease your suffering during flu season. Flu vaccines are available in a shot and a nasal spray.
Another tip to avoid colds and flues is to keep your immune system strong. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated and to flush out impurities. Adding exercise to the mix can also help to decrease your changes of getting a cold or flu.
Cold Sores
Cold sores are an embarrassing and painful ailment that many face during the fall months. Many do not know what a cold sore is and why they get them.
Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are small groups of blisters that most often appear around the mouth. They are painful and can often break open and scab over. They can last for a few days to a couple of weeks. The pain and discomfort many experiences usually pales in comparison to the extreme embarrassment one can feel when experiencing a cold sore outbreak.
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2). It is spread by contact with the the infected fluid of a cold sore. This can happen by sharing eating utensils, drinks, food, or kissing those with an active cold sore infection.
After you have been infected with the virus that causes cold sores it will also remain in your body. But there are some ways to prevent a fever blister from popping up at an inopportune moment. WebMD has the following tips to prevent cold sores:
- Avoid the things that trigger your cold sores, such as stress and colds or the flu.
- Always use lip balm and sunscreen on your face. Too much sunlight can cause cold sores to flare.
- Avoid sharing towels, razors, silverware,toothbrushes, or other objects that a person with a cold sore may have used.
- When you have a cold sore, make sure to wash your hands often, and try not to touch your sore. This can help keep you from spreading the virus to your eyes or genital area or to other people.
- Talk to your doctor if you get cold sores often. You may be able to take prescription pills to prevent cold sore outbreaks.
Although not on the WebMD list, one of the biggest ways to prevent cold sores is to reduce stress to your body. That includes psychological stress and immune system attacks. The tips discussed earlier related to eating a healthy diet can make a big difference in outbreaks.
- If you find yourself having a cold sore outbreak, there are some methods to help reduce the amount of time you experience the symptoms. These methods are as close to a cure for the cold sore as you can get.
Do you have any tips for dealing with Allergies, Colds & Flu, and Cold Sores?
This post has been made possible by one of our supporters.
Download Nurse Bingo Today!
Liven up any shift with a fun game of bingo. See who can fill a row first!
Fill a whole card and lose grip with reality.
Your privacy is protected. We will never spam you.
I love it whenever people come together and share thoughts.
Great website, continue the good work!