Let’s face it – none of us like being ill, really. However, it can often seem like an almost impossible goal to avoid getting colds or flu in many cases. Meanwhile, the symptoms are almost guaranteed for hayfever sufferers as we enter into each season.
However, while the prognosis for suffering can often seem grim, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a blow to your enjoyment of these times of the year. Taking steps to ensure that you are safe and protected from colds and flu remains crucial – and hayfever is even more paramount, in this regard, as it’s easier to anticipate. So, no matter what time of year it might be and what challenges you’re currently preparing for, it’s always important to have a flu vaccine and to have taken steps to keep yourself comfortable and safe for this time of year.
Preparing for Hayfever and Flu Seasons
Hayfever and flu seasons are a blight on the year for many of us – and we’re all potentially susceptible. With this in mind, taking some steps to prepare for the dreaded arrival of these two conditions is paramount; fortunately, this is where our expert team at Broadgate GP can help. As such, without further ado, let’s consider some of the key things you should keep in mind when preparing for hayfever and flu seasons – and what this might mean for your health overall.
Preparing for Hayfever Season
First of all, let’s start by considering hayfever. Hayfever is the common name for seasonal allergies, which are commonly caused by an allergic reaction to pollen grains in the air. Since plants primarily produce pollen during the spring and summer months, these are typically the most at-risk for hayfever sufferers; however, it’s important to note that dust in late summer and the like (especially hay dust) may be the case aggravate the symptoms further.
Symptoms of Hayfever
Common hayfever symptoms include sneezing, a running nose and eyes, and general itchiness. However, some people may also suffer additional hayfever symptoms, such as earaches, tiredness, headaches and pain around the temples, and a loss of smell. Asthma can also worsen hayfever symptoms, leading to shortness of breath and wheezing.
Most people assume that hayfever is a condition they’ll suffer with for life; however, hayfever can also develop in adults, in some cases. As such, if you begin experiencing the symptoms of hayfever but have never suffered from hayfever before, don’t write it out. Instead, contact Broadgate GP for further advice and support on this matter.
How to Prevent Hayfever
Unfortunately, there is no full prevention for hayfever, which means that – to a degree – hayfever patients just have to live with the symptoms. However, you can reduce the severity of your symptoms by:
- Wearing sunglasses to prevent pollen from getting into your eyes
- Dab Vaseline around your nose to capture pollen, rather than letting it get into your airways
- Regularly clean your home with a vacuum to collect dust, dirt, and pet hair
- Stay indoors, especially during the hottest times of day
- Keep an eye on the weather forecast for pollen counts; these can be invaluable
- On your GP’s advice, allergy medications may be suitable to help reduce your symptoms
What to Expect In Flu Season
Unlike hayfever, which is an allergic reaction to pollen in the air (and so is non-contagious), flu is a contagious disease that’s caused by a virus. Some of the most common flu symptoms in patients can include a high temperature that comes on suddenly, difficulty sleeping and eating, nausea and sickness, a dry cough and sore throat, headaches, and tiredness/aching.
The severity of these symptoms can vary considerably. Though unpleasant, they are usually mild for most people. However, vaccines are available for vulnerable individuals (such as the elderly), which can help lessen the chances of catching the flu or reduce the severity of the symptoms.
Preparing for Flu Season
In the run-up to flu season, which typically lasts between December and April, but sometimes as long as May, there may be a greater flu prevalence due to the milder conditions (although it’s still possible to catch flu in the Summer).
With this in mind, before the flu season arrives this year, you should ideally endeavour to take the following steps to reduce your risk of catching the condition.
- Ensure you have had your flu jab, you can book yours with us at Broadgate GP. Encourage your loved ones to take up their flu vaccinations, as this can provide excellent protection.
- Begin disinfecting surfaces regularly from around the start of December, as the flu virus can live for up to 24 hours on surfaces.
- Reduce contact with other individuals in enclosed public spaces, reducing the chances of catching the flu from someone else. The flu is most contagious in the first five days, and many people will be contagious before they begin experiencing symptoms!
- Try to ensure you are following a healthy diet in the run-up to flu season, so your body’s immune system is working efficiently and is more likely to be able to combat the flu virus (if you should come into contact with it).
Common Tips
Hayfever and flu seasons are at opposite ends of the spectrum, almost. However, both require some basic preparations, such as checking whether you’re likely to suffer and ensuring you’re fully prepared.
For example, ensuring you’re up to date on your flu jabs can help prevent you from being susceptible to the disease. Meanwhile, getting your hayfever or potential hayfever diagnosed early, and stocking up on hayfever tablets if necessary, can also be an excellent way to help you cope when the pollen begins becoming more of a problem.
However, it’s essential to be aware that, even despite your best efforts, neither flu nor hayfever is 100% preventable.
So, always stay cautious with these two conditions, and if you suscept you have symptoms of either condition, you may want to seek medical advice. Fortunately, most cases of hayfever, in particular, are mild, although a private GP might be able to prescribe medications to help with your symptoms if you catch a particularly nasty case or if you’re suffering from the flu.
Book Your Flu Jab From Broadgate GP
Preparing for hayfever or flu seasons is never much fun. With that being said, it nevertheless remains a paramount task and one that you absolutely must complete before the dreaded seasons roll around. Luckily, by implementing today’s tips, we hope you’ll have more success in preparing for hayfever and flu seasons – and staying comfortable throughout, as a result.
At Broadgate GP, we also offer workplace flu vaccinations should this be something you’re interested in for your business. Contact us today for more information. Or, if you would like to know how to ease your flu at home, check out our 5 Ways to Ease Flu Symptoms now!
