Allergies happen when your body decides something harmless (like ragweed pollen) is a danger to your health. Sneezing, a runny nose, and watery eyes are often how your body reacts. Allergies tend to get worse in the fall or spring when there is more pollen and mold spores in the air.
Seasonal allergies can also increase a person’s vulnerability to infections. The nasal inflammation caused by seasonal allergies makes it easier for viruses to enter your nose. And since your immune system is preoccupied with dealing with your allergies, it has fewer available resources to defend you from illness-causing intruders.
Even if you don’t have allergies, seasonal swings in barometric pressure, temperature, and wind can irritate your airways and nasal passages — and compromise your immune system’s built-in bulwarks against colds and infections.
What can you do?
- Wash your hands often
- Don't touch your eyes, mouth, or nose
- Consider a flu shot
- Stay away from people who are coughing and sneezing
- Wear a scarf around your nose and mouth when it's cold outside
- Keep your body healthier by following healthy lifestyle habits, such as not drinking too much alcohol, not smoking, staying away from junk food, lowering stress, and getting enough sleep
- Maintain the health of your space by performing the recommended regular cleaning.
The Season Change Means It’s Time For Midterms!
If you are staring midterms in the face as the season begins to change, check out all the resources for time management, study strategies, test prep, and more offered by Tutoring and Academic Support.