The rains came. For many when rain comes it is a welcome relief from the pollen and symptoms from allergies. For me, it is the total opposite. While I feel a minor itchiness or red, scratchy eyes on sunny days my real irritation is when the rain pours down and everything is being washed away.
I totally thought that was the case this week when we had rainy day after rainy day. Turns out it was not allergies but a cold. Absolutely no fun. Except the first day I couldn’t tell the difference. I loaded myself up on my “Allergy Arsenal” and was frustrated when I felt worse as the day dragged on.
So how can you tell the difference between an allergy and a cold? I’ve teamed up with MinuteClinic to break it down for you as well as offer pointers on dealing with those pesky spring allergies because no one wants to rush their outdoor spring #ootd pics because of allergies.
Colds vs. Allergies
1. A cold is a viral infection while an allergy symptom is due to your body’s immune system trying to fight off the actual allergen.
2. Coughing? It’s probably a cold. It’s not a common allergy symptom.
3. Feeling aching all over is a sign of a cold. Trust me, I have them right now and no amount of flonase or claritin is going to help.
4. Fevers are not a symptom of allergies but can occur with a cold. If you have a fever it is from a cold.
Tips & Tricks
In our house we perform our own anti-allergy rituals.
1. Take off your shoes when entering the house. No spreading pollen or mold spores allowed.
2. We change the sheets once a week, two maximum. No one wants the allergens from outdoors sitting in their hair to rest on their pillow.
3. Change the air filters on a regular basis.
4. Stay away from the hair gel. It’s sticky and guess what sticks in it? Pollen. Who knew?!
5. You gotta wear shades! Wear them even on the overcast days because they protect your eyes from the floating pollen and allergens in the air.
Want allergy relief fast? Head over to your local MinuteClinic and speak to a nurse practitioner or physician assistant for the right OTC medication for you!
*This post is a sponsored post in collaboration with MinuteClinic. Opinions are my own.
