Temperatures are slowly starting to rise all around the United States, but beware— those spring showers bring a variety of seasonal illnesses!
Why the upswing? Spring is the most common season for seasonal allergies. The common fluctuations in temperatures, barometric pressures, and weather can irritate the nasal passages and airways and make it more difficult for your immune system to fight off those pesky invaders, increasing vulnerability to infection.
Read on for common illnesses during this time, and what you can do to stay well!
COVID-19
For so many of us, COVID-19 now seems like yet another common illness. While a Covid diagnosis is much more commonplace than during 2020, there are still major complications to be aware of whenever you contract this virus. The two most available resources to help combat COVID-19? Get vaccinated + boosted, and test often! Our On/Go One tests give you 98% accuracy in just 15 minutes, perfect to use before any springtime activities. Additionally, our On/Go companion app now offers easy vaccination scheduling! Simply use our "Care Solutions" tab and click through the "In-person consult" section to schedule your vaccination at CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart. To help keep yourself and others around you safe, you can also follow the CDC's latest COVID-19 Prevention Actions.
Allergies
While springtime brings the beautiful flowers and blooms we all love, the pollen needed for these nature displays are what causes allergies for over 25% of Americans!
Although there is no one medication that will cure seasonal allergies, prepping before the season starts will go a long way in preventing those pesky sneezes and wheezes.
Talk to your doctor about starting your allergy medication 1-2 weeks before peak season, and monitor the pollen counts outside before planning that picnic.
Asthma
Asthma triggers run rampant in the springtime, and can include pollen, air temperature changes, fertilizers, and insect repellents, among other triggers. Other common causes can include indoor triggers such as dust, mold, and cleaning chemicals. To avoid an attack, make sure to keep your peak flow meters and rescue inhalers at the ready.
Flu
Unfortunately, the risk of catching the flu does not stop with the warmer spring weather (in fact, flu viruses do well in humidity!). Receiving your yearly flu vaccine is just as important in the warmer seasons; schedule your yearly vaccination through our On/Go app. You can also help yourself by practicing safe hygiene protocol (visit the CDC’s Healthy Habits to Help Protect Against Flu page to brush up).
Rhinovirus
While you might not be familiar with this name, Rhinovirus can cause the common cold. Common symptoms of a Rhinovirus infection include: sore throat, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, and body aches.
To help yourself avoid the common cold, practice prevention strategies, such as washing hands regularly and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth unnecessarily.
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