It may be spring, but it’s still possible to catch a cold before summer hits. In fact, springtime colds can be worse than winter colds thanks to allergy season kicking off. But don’t let a cold slow down your busy spring! Here’s how you can cope with a springtime cold–and how to fight it when it combines with allergies.
Telling the Difference Between Cold and Allergies
If your “cold” develops at the same time every year and comes on very suddenly, it’s likely you have a seasonal allergy. If you’re not sure, you should pay attention to cold symptoms like aches and pains, coughing, sore throat, and fever, which rarely or never appear in allergies. Conversely, itchy eyes are common to allergies but not colds.
Stopping Spring Colds
Battling a spring cold doesn’t have to be a huge chore. You can fight it off faster with a few simple tips that will get you back on your feet in no time.
- Don’t blow your nose too hard: While it may seem like a good idea, blowing your nose harder than you need to can push mucus back into your sinuses or middle ear, causing an infection. You can tell that you’re blowing too hard if you hear a crackling sound, or if you notice that your congestion is worse. Try some saline spray a few minutes before blowing your nose, and then blow gently–one nostril at a time.
- Zinc lozenges: Taking a zinc lozenge every two to three hours combats your cold and lowers proteins that may make your symptoms worse. These lozenges are best taken within 24 hours after a cold starts.
- Saltwater gargling: Though old-fashioned, this cure can ease your sore throat and may even prevent colds. That’s because it thins out your mucus, allowing it to flow away from your nasal passages and take the germs with it. In the morning and before bed, mix a half teaspoon of any salt in a glass of warm water. Gargle this for a few seconds, and spit it out.
- Vitamin C: While vitamin C may not actually prevent colds, it can help you recover faster. Take 250 mg to 500 mg of vitamin C per day as soon as you notice cold symptoms.
Got Allergies?
If your cold combines with a springtime allergy, use antihistamines, not decongestants. Antihistamines will be more effective for fighting your stuffy or runny nose, whether from a cold or an allergy.