Autumn is the most common time for viral infections. They transmit easier because of several factors, including age, the activity of the immune system, and cold weather. You can eliminate any transmittable illness through thoughtful prevention. Let’s discuss the most common health conditions that peak in the fall and prevention measures.
Allergies
Mold spores, ragweed, and dust mites are common not only for the summer. They trigger allergic reactions in the fall as well. They also get active in the cold months when you have to turn the heating on in the household.
Symptoms
- Stuffy or runny nose;
- Sneezing;
- Smell loss;
- Coughing;
- Sore throat;
- Snoring;
- Itchy and watery eyes;
- Fatigue;
- Headache;
- Ear congestion.
Prevention Measures
Keep the windows and doors closed both at home and in the car. Invest in a properly working conditioning system – your immune system will benefit from it. Special online resources are measuring the pollen counts and the air quality in your area and the neighborhood. It will help you get prepared for a walk and stock up on the essential medications. Always take a shower or at least thoroughly wash your face and hands when you get home after a long walk, even if you don’t experience any symptoms. The most common antihistamines you might need are Cetirizine, Desloratadine, Fexofenadine, Levocetirizine, and Loratadine.
Acute Ear Infection
Middle ear inflammation is very common among children, especially in autumn. It can also be triggered by flu, common cold, and allergy if you don’t treat these conditions properly.
Symptoms
- Pains in the ears;
- Hearing loss;
- Diarrhea and vomiting;
- Dizziness;
- Fever.
Prevention Measures
Make sure your children and you don’t stay in an environment where someone smokes and teach your kid how to wash hands thoroughly. The more careful you are with the hygienic practices, the better. Use special cleaning tools for the ears and avoid cotton swabs. Consider taking Zithromax (azithromycin) under the control of the medical practitioner. This antibiotic eliminates bacteria. It’s also effective for skin and respiratory infections.
Common Cold
Autumn is the peak time for the common cold. It’s a very contagious disease that can strike you down for days and weeks.
Symptoms
- Stuffy or runny nose;
- Headache;
- Body aches;
- Sneezing;
- Coughing;
- Sore throat;
- Fever;
- Congestion.
Prevention Measures
Your hands should always be clean. Wash them throughout the day and keep sanitizers and antibacterial wipes in your handbags and backpacks if you don’t have access to water and soap. Concentrate on balanced eating habits, and do your best to avoid stress. If stress cannot be avoided, ask your medical practitioner for antidepressant pills prescription. If you are already experiencing a common cold, wear a protective mask to cough and sneeze in it to protect the people around from your contagious condition. Avoid staying in crowded places for too long. There’s no need for antibiotics. If you drink plenty of water, take vitamins, eat well, and have enough rest, your body will fight the illness on its own. Set a pack of Zithromax or Metronidazole aside for a more severe condition that demands a targeted antibiotic medical treatment. Now it’s time to pass on to flu.
Flu
Ignoring flu can lead to dreadful consequences. The complications include pneumonia and bronchitis.
Symptoms
- Sudden fatigue;
- Body aches;
- Headache;
- Sore throat;
- Congestion;
- Cough;
- Fever;
- Chills;
- Tightness in the chest;
- Nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Prevention Measures
Wash your hands before eating, and don’t forget to keep them clean if you have to go out while experiencing flu symptoms. Protect the other people around you from your condition with a protective mask. If possible, stay alone within one room and use personal tableware. Drink much water, stick to regular healthy eating, and get as much rest and sleep as you can. Flu should be controlled by your doctor. Your medical practitioner will prescribe specific antibiotics and additional supplements so that you could recover as early as possible. IMPORTANT! A flu shot is highly essential this year. It will not protect you from COVID-19, but it will lessen the severity. Both flu and COVID-19 can be caught at the same time. Protection from the flu will help the immune system beat coronavirus.
Acute Bronchitis
When bronchial tubes get inflamed, it leads to shortness of breath and heavy breathing because the lungs are prevented from getting a sufficient amount of air. Flu, sore throat and common cold often turn into acute bronchitis if not treated properly.
Symptoms
- Tightness in the chest;
- Body aches;
- Breathing shortness;
- Cough with mucus;
- Sore throat;
- Wheezing;
- Chills;
- Fever.
Prevention Measures
Stop smoking, at least, for a time you finally recover. Avoid anything that can irritate your throat (dust, vapors, fumes, and pets). Devote time to the disinfection. Countertops, doorknobs, and all surfaces and areas that you touch frequently should be disinfected.
TIP: Paracetamol will help you deal with the discomfort in the chest. It will also help you get rid of low-grade fever caused by inflammation.
Arthritis
Age can seriously affect the joints. They get inflamed and cause swelling, which results in severe fatigue and chronic pains. Arthritis is considered a year-round health condition, but numerous people say that it gets worse in wet and cold weather.
Symptoms
- Pains in the joints;
- Swelling and stiffness in joints;
- Fatigue.
Prevention Measures
The first thing to concentrate on is healthy eating with a lot of fruit, nuts, vegetables, and fish. Avoid eating too much red meat — low-fat poultry will be the best choice. Excessive weight worsens the disease. Do regular physical exercises. There’s no need in going to the gym — daily walks will already do you a lot of good. Besides, regular physical activity will add up the flexibility to the joints and muscles.
IMPORTANT! You’ll have to reduce fried foods, oils, salt, and sugary products in your daily diet.