Spring 2023Why spring can still get up your nose

You would think that brighter, warmer weather would herald the close of the sickest period for patients and the busiest time for health carers.

Certainly, the surgeries and wards should be less frantic, but it is not a time for doctors to rest easy or indeed for you to be sedentary!

Spring, as its apt name suggests, should be the time to rise-up, get motivated and be more active.

However, for one in four of us, venturing out instead of loitering inside, brings with it a new problem – seasonal allergies.

The most familiar of these is hay fever provoked by pollen, a light powdery substance found in foliage. When plants and trees are in full bloom, hay fever is at its zenith too, making the eyes itch and stream, and the nose run, with endless sneezes and fatigue affecting the sufferer.

Most springtime allergies are cause by the rhinovirus infection. This is another suitable name, because like the rhinoceros it is enormous and is actually responsible for around half of all common colds.

Assuaging allergies can be achieved by a visit to the GP or pharmacist, or by taking some responsibility yourself.

Allergies follow a pattern, so diarise them to see when they started and how they made themselves manifest. That way, you can be prepared with medication such as antihistamines, and even ready to alter your routine accordingly.

Pollen is at its worst during the morning, and a check of the weather forecast may predict if levels are going to be high. Limit doing any gardening near rural areas and take a shower after being outside as pollen can adhere to your clothes. Those with chronic hay fever may also want to keep windows and doors shut when the count is high.

I mentioned the common cold. What spring brings us is a natural shield against this, through seasonal fruit and vegetables. Make the most of these and keep your vitamin C levels boosted.

Exercise is the other best friend of good physical and mental health. It has been such a difficult winter period for so many of us, but spring is nature’s way of lifting us back into the light.

One of the chief causes of gloom has been the cost-of-living crisis and so you may feel that joining a gym or taking part in organised team sports is pricy. But all you really need is a pair of decent fitting trainers or even shoes to walk in, to do your health good.

So, there is the challenge. Now, put that spring in your step!