Dr. Patricia Morales Brost, a family medicine physician at Aurora Medical Group in Oshkosh, shares how to cope with these seasonal changes and protect ourselves from the flu and common cold.
While fall may come with changing leaves and pumpkin spice lattes, it can also trigger allergies and signal the start of flu season.
Allergies
Allergies can happen to anyone no matter the season. Fall allergies, however, are specifically triggered by ragweed, Dr. Morales Brost said.
“Ragweed counts for 75% of the cases. It usually starts releasing pollen during the warm nights of August and may stay in the air until October,” says Dr. Morales Brost.
Fall allergies are like summer allergies because the allergen is on the ground. During the summer, the allergens are grass-related pollen, and during the fall, it can be mold from a damp pile of leaves. Allergies can also be caused by dust mites in your home.
How can you get allergy relief? Dr. Morales Brost offers these four tips:
- Before turning on the heat for the first time, clean heating vents and change your filter(s).
- Use High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters.
- Use a dehumidifier.
- Wear a mask.
Flu season
With the weather changing to cooler temperatures, this also means the start of flu season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine every season with rare exceptions. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of serious complications from influenza.
The flu can be mild for some people and more serious for others. Symptoms for the flu and COVID-19 can be similar and hard to distinguish. They both can include symptoms like fever, cough or sore throat. If you develop any symptoms that indicates the flu or COVID-19, it’s recommended to:
- See your doctor
- Get tested for COVID-19
- Isolate yourself from others, and wear a mask
- Complete a safe check screening on the Live Well app prior to your visit
Seasonal affective disorder
As the seasons change, some people may experience seasonal affective disorder, linked to shorter daylight hours and limited sunlight in the winter. Seasonal affective disorder has symptoms similar to depression, like fatigue, weight gain and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
How can you best help yourself if you aren’t adjusting well to the new season? Dr. Morales Brost offers these three tips:
- Take a vitamin D supplement; at least 800-2000 units/day.
- Practice stress relief activities like yoga and meditation for at least 5 mins a couple of times/week.
- Exercise for fun at least 30-50 mins a couple of times/week.
COVID-19 safety
Vaccination is still the best way to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, and there are still activities you can enjoy while continuing to social distance and follow expert recommendations. These activities include:
- Visit a place where the leaves change
- Stop by a local pumpkin patch
- Try a corn maze
- Get cooking with apples and autumn spices
- Make a DIY Halloween costume
Fall should be something to look forward to and enjoy, Dr. Morales Brost said. Your doctor can help you manage your allergies and stay healthy as the seasons change.
