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It’s summer and the scent of fresh flowers fills the air. But you can’t smell a thing because your nose is all stuffed up. Is it a summer cold or hay fever? Both a summer cold and hay fever will leave you with a blocked and runny nose. But beyond that it’s pretty easy to distinguish one from the other. A summer cold often brings with it a sore throat, headache, and cough. Sudden sneezing and watery, itchy eyes are more commonly the signs of an allergy. Let’s take a look at how you can treat and prevent each condition.
Quelling a Summer Cold Colds are caused by any of hundreds of viruses that are easily passed from one person to the next, but the chance of getting a cold in summer is only 1 in 4 compared to winter. To protect yourself, go outdoors more often and stay away from crowded places. Keep your distance from people who have colds, especially when they cough or sneeze. Wash your hands regularly. Eat well-balanced meals and drink lots of fluids. If you do get sick, nonprescription medications can help. For example, TYLENOL* Cold can be a good choice to relieve all the symptoms of a cold.
Halting Hay Fever
One in five Canadians has to deal with allergies. Reactions to trees and grass pollen are most common in the spring and summer. Ragweed pollen, dust and molds produce allergic reactions in the fall. Keeping windows and doors closed during heavy pollination seasons helps, as does installing an air purifier and changing air filters monthly in the air conditioning system. No one is certain why some people are allergic while others aren't, but if you think you may have allergies, your doctor can recommend a trusted, non-prescription remedy to relieve several symptoms at once. TYLENOL* Allergy Sinus is one that both doctors and pharmacists tend to recommend because it is specially formulated with the combination of a decongestant, an antihistamine and a pain reliever with acetaminophen.
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