It used to be called “cold and flu season”. Since the COVID years, we seem to want to ignore that seasonal changes bring on troublesome symptoms. For the moment, let’s sidestep the health complaints associated with actual infections, bacterial and otherwise, and turn our attention to less onerous maladies.
As it gets colder, we, collectively, spend more time indoors where we begin experiencing dry eyes/skin, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, itchiness, redness, chills, cough, difficulty breathing, and stuffy nose.
The root causes of these symptoms can be removed without medical intervention and give us improved health.
Consider ways to get more outside air into the indoor places we inhabit. According to the EPA, indoor-air quality can be two to five times worse than outdoor air quality, especially with regard to airborne chemicals. Although it would be foolhardy to throw open the windows and doors in winter, a better approach might be to crack a window intermittently throughout the day and add air filtration measures.
Whole-house air cleaners can be costly, but similar benefits can be achieved by replacing the simple furnace filter with one that is designed to trap more particles. They contain pleated material which affords a larger surface area. The old wives’ tale about taxing the furnace by adding a superior filter has been repeatedly debunked. Hardware stores sell these filters. The cost is minimal, and the benefits are good. They aren’t perfect but they remove a significant amount of particulate material. Some filters contain activated charcoal to lessen odors.
Relative humidity (RH) is the amount of moisture in the air as it relates to temperature. A comfortable RH is approximately 40%. If the RH is 40% outdoors where it’s cold, the RH indoors will be less. Again, a modest investment in room humidifiers can bring the humidity up to more comfortable and healthy levels.
There are hot steam, cold steam (cool vapor), and evaporative units available in many sizes and prices. The evaporation devices seem better than the other ones. They don’t blow mineral salts into the air where they can be inhaled and land on furniture. They require some attention and simple maintenance. They’re worth it.
Itchy, flaky, skin is a nuisance and it seems to get worse as we advance in age. Commercial creams can mitigate the discomfort but we need to be aware of the ingredients (preservatives, fragrances, and alcohols). Regularly applying organic coconut or olive oil is an inexpensive alternative.
Post-nasal-drip is a cause of scratchy throats, sneezing, coughing, and phlegm. It’s not just an advertising gimmick. It’s real. Lack of activity and deep sleeping, allow some of the particles from dry air into the nasal passages and sinus cavities. The problem seems to worsen when the air is dry. Cleaning the sinuses daily with a nasal rinse device eliminates the cause of the symptoms quickly. Be certain to use distilled water and the specified saline packets.
When phlegm (mucous) persists throughout the day, a small glass of pineapple juice can be a remedy. Phlegm contains protein and there are enzymes in pineapple that soften the phlegm, making it easier to expel.
Maintain hydration, more than during the warmer months. Dry air allows moisture to be pulled away from our skin, It makes us feel colder even when the temperature is the same indoors as during the Summer.
The basic causes of seasonal discomfort are dry air and dust. Adjust those pieces, and add more activity, and we can more easily handle common symptoms that aren’t related to real infections.