Fall allergies, the flu, and a common cold walk into a bar

Tips for battling this trifecta of seasonal health issues.

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IN a nutshell Can you believe Halloween is next week? As much as I love the holiday, I can't. It feels like 2022 flew by, and the end of the year is coming in just as hot. What's not hot: The weather, and how this chilly season is making people feel. If you live with seasonal allergies or you're one of the lucky ducks who usually catch the common cold or flu, you know what I'm talking about. Today, we're highlighting how to manage fall allergies and tell the difference between allergy, cold, and flu symptoms. Here's a list of topics we're covering today: • how to spot and manage fall allergies • the fitness app that led me back to safety on a hike • shopping hacks to fight rising grocery prices • a quiz about isolation's effect on immunity • more health stories you need Be well, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline

Written by Morgan Mandriota October 24, 2022 • 6 min read

what's got us buzzing Fall allergies are getting worse. Here's what to do (and how to know it's not something else) Are your seasonal allergies acting up worse than ever this year? You can thank climate change for that (think increase in temps, ragweed, pollen, higher carbon dioxide levels, and fall allergies). According to Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's president Kenneth Mendez, that's why allergy seasons have become more intense and basically doubled in length compared to recent years. What's more, the CDC's weekly influenza data suggests higher flu cases across the world this year, too –– so we're also entering a potentially severe flu season. Joy! Let's say you've got a cough, runny nose, congestion, and itchy eyes. Do you have allergies, a common cold, the flu, or COVID-19? It can be hard to tell since they all share similar symptoms, but there are ways to spot the difference. Check out the infographic below, or learn more about each condition here. (PS: Keep in mind that symptoms can vary, so don't hesitate to see a doctor if you're concerned about your health.) As serious as this may sound, there are plenty of things you can do to protect yourself. For allergies, consider investing in an air purifier to limit seasonal allergens in your home, and wear sunglasses while outside to avoid getting pollen in your eyes. To prevent the flu, get your flu shot and wash your hands. To reduce your COVID-19 risk, get double vaxxed and boosted ASAP. And for the common cold, avoid sick people and boost your immune health. Tl;dr – Seasonal illnesses are in full swing this year, but you can protect yourself in many ways. Your best line of defense might be knowing how to avoid your exposure and tell whether you're experiencing symptoms of fall allergies, the common cold, the flu, or COVID-19. Unsure? Schedule an appointment with a doctor who can diagnose and treat you as needed.

great finds Products we love       AllTrails Shout out to AllTrails for leading me back to a trailhead after getting lost for 7 hours. For those who don't know, AllTrails is a fitness and travel app that features 200,000+ maps for trails of all kinds –– hiking, mountain biking, climbing, etc. It also ranked #2 on our list of Best Hiking Apps of the Year. You can use the website or mobile app to spot nearby dog-friendly hikes, navigate a trail while you're on it, log your physical activity and past treks, or scope out reviews from people who've gone places before you. Filter by factors like difficulty, length, and rating, and explore by city, country, or region to find popular and little-known parks in any location. Bonus tip: Prime time for fall leaf colors is right now. Use AllTrails sooner than later to adventure somewhere you can enjoy the colorful views! Shop now

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Monday Kick Start Inflation is hitting us where it hurts: Grocery stores. Try these shopping hacks instead Stressed out by inflation hitting your local supermarket? Join the club (that none of us want to be in). Grocery prices are up about 12% from last year, and a survey conducted by market research company IRI in January 2022 found that more than 90% (!) of consumers were concerned or extremely concerned over rising grocery prices. IRI's study also found that 67% of low- and middle-income consumers and roughly half of high-income consumers are changing their shopping choices due to these increased prices. If convenience, time, and stress relief are important to you, consider doing the same. Wondering how? Try switching your go-to store, being pickier with produce, making strict shopping lists, or buying in bulk. Hot tip: If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can actually score a 20% discount when buying over $50 worth of home essentials (think toilet paper, coffee, puppy poop bags, trash bags, or food) from Amazon brands with their new Stock Up & Save program. You can get up to $100 off your order. Getting cheaper stuff delivered without stressing about going to a crowded, overpriced store? Sign us up! We love a one-stop-shop. For more tips on how to save while you shop, read our list of ways to lower your grocery bill. We also want to know: Are YOU stressed about rising grocery prices? Have you changed your shopping habits to accommodate? Let us know at wellnesswire@healthline.com.

Health Hype Can social distancing impact your immune system? (Find the answer at the end of this email)

health stories you need What we're reading next Do you sleep less than 5 hours per night? If so, you may be at higher risk of dementia or diabetes. This is one of many reasons why sleep quality is so important, especially as you age. COVID vaccines and menstrual cycles. My friends and I aren't the only ones who've noticed post-vax period changes. What do the experts have to say about this unreported side effect? New impact report from Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM). Let's recap the impressive healing effects of BEAM's 3-year long healing program for peer support workers.

Health Hype Answer Can social distancing impact your immune system? Indirectly! Social distancing rules may help to reduce your risk of catching COVID-19, but your immunity may be taking a hit as a result. Isolation doesn't directly lower your immune system. However, depressive symptoms that may come from isolation can. So, yes, staying 6 feet apart and away from loved ones (or people in general) may negatively affect your health, especially when it comes to your immune system. Learn more about the health effects of social distancing here. Tell us: How has social distancing impacted your well-being? Are you a newfound introvert who loves solitude, or are you a grieving extrovert who feels the effects of isolation? Email wellnesswire@healthline.com to share your thoughts.

Thanks for reading! We'll be back with more stories for you on Wednesday. To boost your immunity before then, consider getting an air purifier or spending time with a loved one. If nothing else, your home won't smell, and you'll feel more connected.

Until next time, Take care of yourself, and we'll see you again soon!     This edition was powered by a hashbrown, egg, and cheese sandwich with salt, pepper, and hot sauce from my local deli.   View in browser Did a friend send you this email? Subscribe here. To see all newsletters, click here. Privacy    |    Unsubscribe © 2022 Healthline Media 1423 Red Ventures Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29707