Allergies Don’t Cause a Fever — At Least, Not Directly

'Hayfever Made Me Miserable - Until I Discovered This Cheap Natural Remedy'

With nearly half of the UK population suffering from hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, the beginning of a new season can cause an increase in symptoms

Every spring, almost half of the UK population begins to experience hay fever—much earlier than the summer many people expect. Those affected often find themselves miserable on otherwise beautiful days, unable to fully enjoy the sunshine of the new season.

Hay fever, medically known as allergic rhinitis, shares many symptoms with the common cold, such as a runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, and congestion. However, while a cold is caused by a virus that usually lasts three to seven days, hay fever is an allergic reaction that persists for as long as you're exposed to the allergens causing it.

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Dr. Rosie Godeseth, associate medical director at Vitality, explains, "The allergic response happens when the lining of the nose becomes sensitised to specific triggers like pollen. When exposed to these triggers, histamine and other inflammatory substances are released, which affect nerve endings and blood vessels, leading to the typical symptoms of hay fever. It impacts individuals based on their unique mix of genetic factors and environmental exposures."

Dr Rosie warns asthma sufferers to take particular care as the weather warms up, as pollen can worsen or even trigger asthma symptoms. While there is no known cure for hay fever, many people can manage their symptoms with over-the-counter medication, such as antihistamines, nasal sprays and eye drops. As with many other allergies, the ideal situation is to avoid exposure to the triggering allergens. So people with hay fever can take steps such as shutting windows when the pollen count is high and avoiding buying fresh flowers.

There are also some natural and easy remedies to try that can help alleviate the symptoms of hay fever…

READ MORE: Hay fever sufferers are using this household device to help 'improve' symptoms Vaseline

Placing a small amount of Vaseline around your nose and eyes can catch pollen and prevent it from causing aggravation. "Vaseline provides a barrier that catches pollen particles before they enter your body," says Dr Rosie. "It also relieves the sore skin often caused by hay fever symptoms."

Take a shower

On warm, dry days when the pollen count is at its highest, you can avoid worsening your symptoms by taking a shower whenever you get home. Washing your hair and putting on fresh clothes will remove any lingering pollen and lower the risk of irritation. It's best to avoid drying your washing outdoors as your laundry can collect pollen that could then get transferred around your home.

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Eat local honey

Some research suggests eating local honey can lessen the effects of hay fever as it exposes sufferers to the same pollen that is present where they live and helps the body to naturally form a tolerance. "While anecdotal evidence supports this, we should approach this critically," says Dr Veronika Matutyte from the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. "I recommend it as part of an integrated approach to managing hay fever."

Shut windows and doors

While it can be tempting to keep your windows and doors open to allow fresh air inside, this allows pollen to enter the home which in turn can aggravate symptoms. It sounds obvious, but keep them closed as much as possible to stop pollen from coming indoors. Some sufferers find that having an air purifier in their living room or bedroom useful for catching stray particles that have made it inside.

Get to grips with pollen seasons

There are as many as 30 different types of pollen that cause hay fever and it is possible to be allergic to multiple types. Dr Rosie advises, "Make a note of when your symptoms are at their worst so you can take preventative measures. Tree pollen tends to be released between March and April, grass pollen between May and July, and weed pollen between June and August."

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'I remember dreading outdoor activities'

Feng shui consultant and manifestation coach Karena Sophia, 44, from Worcester, manages her hay fever with natural remedies…

"I didn't start suffering from hay fever until my teen years. I would dread outdoor activities and sit with dozens of tissues from May to July, with itchy eyes and a streaming nose. It didn't change until I got pregnant at 26.

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"I never liked antihistamines as they made me drowsy – even ones that weren't supposed to. Then I got pregnant in February 2007 and knew I had to start preparing my body before hay fever season. I saw a nutritionist in London and started taking her pregnancy multivitamins every day, which contained 180mg of vitamin C, as well as other things. The year that I was pregnant I didn't have any signs of hay fever.

"The following year, after giving birth, the hay fever returned, so I started taking Vitamin C in 250-500mg tablets when I had symptoms, but it didn't do much. I realised I should have started taking them earlier in the year.

"Some years I'd forget and have to rely on antihistamines when it got bad, but I've always preferred natural remedies to medicines. Now I'm a certified feng shui consultant and manifestation coach and my work is very much about nature and energy healing and I'm even more of an advocate for natural alternatives. It's been many years since I've touched an antihistamine.

"I've also discovered that localised honey naturally programs the immune system to get used to pollen too, so I take a spoonful every morning from February onwards and I rarely suffer now. I'm pleased to say hay fever, as it was, is finally a thing of the past."

Learn more about Karena at thegracefulhealer.Co.Uk

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Flu: Facts About Seasonal Influenza And Bird Flu

The flu is a contagious viral infection of the respiratory system that affects the nose, throat and lungs. It is caused by influenza viruses.

Symptoms of mild flu infections can resemble those of the common cold, which is also caused by viruses; that said, flu symptoms tend to be more intense than cold symptoms and come on faster. And in severe cases, flu symptoms can be serious enough to lead to hospitalization and death.

Flu viruses are categorized into four types: A, B, C and D. Types A and B are the most harmful to humans and cause seasonal flu epidemics; in the Northern Hemisphere, flu season typically occurs from October to May, with peak activity from December to February.

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Influenza C can also infect people but causes very mild illness and is not associated with epidemics, while type D affects cattle and other animals and is not known to cause illness in humans.

Flu spreads between people via viral particles in droplets expelled when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through saliva exchanged via shared utensils or kissing.

Each year, seasonal flu sickens about 1 billion people worldwide and causes approximately 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory deaths. In a given season, the U.S. Sees about 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths from flu, although these numbers vary year to year.

With rare exceptions, seasonal vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older to avoid illness and to prevent serious complications from flu. Hand-washing, avoiding contact with sick people and masking while in public can also reduce the risk of infection.

Facts about the flu

Cause: Influenza viruses

Early symptoms: Fever, chills, tiredness, muscle aches

Prevention: Seasonal vaccinations

Everything you need to know about the flu What are the symptoms of flu?

Although flu is primarily a respiratory illness, its symptoms affect the entire body.

Fever is one of the most common flu symptoms, and it commonly lasts for three to four days. Other symptoms include chills, severe headache, sore throat, cough, chest discomfort, and a stuffy or runny nose. Flu also brings muscle aches and extreme fatigue. In some instances, flu may cause vomiting or diarrhea; this occurs more often in children than in adults.

Symptoms vary from person to person, and they may be mild or very severe. In some cases, flu can lead to pneumonia, a severe lung infection, and require hospitalization; it can also raise the risk of serious secondary infections from bacteria. People are more at risk of developing serious complications from flu if they have one or more underlying health conditions, such as diabetes; asthma or chronic lung disease; heart or blood disease; and liver or kidney disorders.

Flu is more dangerous in people who are pregnant or who are age 65 or older. Children under 5 are vulnerable to severe flu, and those under 2 are at especially high risk for developing serious illness. Having a weakened immune system due to disease or certain medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, can also raise the risks of life-threatening complications.

What's the difference between a cold and the flu?

Flu and colds are the most common respiratory infections in the United States. Both affect the tissues of the nose and throat, and both are caused by viruses and spread easily between people. However, there are some key differences between colds and the flu.

Colds are caused by approximately 200 different viruses, including rhinoviruses, adenoviruses and coronaviruses (a broad group of viruses that includes the germ behind COVID-19).

Cold symptoms usually appear within one to three days of being infected and are mild at the start. They often include a tickle in the throat, sneezing, and a runny or stuffy nose. Symptoms typically peak within a week of onset, around Day 4 to 7. Headache or fever may develop, but these symptoms are rare in colds. A cold's average duration is eight to 10 days. Most colds go away on their own, but over-the-counter medications can help relieve symptoms and reduce pain.

Flu comes on faster than a cold. In flu, fever, chills, headaches, body aches and exhaustion are typically the first symptoms to appear. Flu infections can cause deadly complications and can worsen existing medical conditions, such as asthma, congestive heart failure or diabetes.

There are no medications to prevent or directly treat the common cold, whereas flu can be prevented through seasonal vaccines and can be treated within the first 48 hours of infection with the antiviral medication oseltamivir, better known asTamiflu.

Some early symptoms of the flu can resemble symptoms people experience during a cold. (Image credit: izusek via Getty Images) How long does the flu last?

Flu symptoms typically appear about one to four days after exposure to the virus, but flu symptoms can rapidly become severe. If the infected person is otherwise healthy, symptoms usually last from a few days to nearly two weeks, although being vaccinated and taking Tamiflu can shorten their duration. Flu symptoms may last longer in some cases and can cause fatigue that persists even after other symptoms have ended.

For most people, a bout of flu is unpleasant and uncomfortable but not life-threatening. However, complications can develop that may prolong illness. Some complications are moderate, such as ear and sinus infections.

Other complications are more serious, such as viral or bacterial pneumonia. This inflammation of the lungs occurs when the lung sacs, known as alveoli, fill with fluid and hinder breathing. Recovery from pneumonia can take up to a month or longer. Flu can also trigger sepsis, an extreme, body-wide immune reaction. Runaway inflammation driven by sepsis can lead to tissue damage and fatal organ failure.

What's the difference between influenza A and influenza B?

Bird flu, or avian influenza, is caused by influenza A viruses. Flu viruses that infect humans and birds are both categorized by their H and N proteins, but avian influenza viruses infect birds as their primary hosts.

All of the influenza A subtypes are found in birds, with two exceptions: subtypes H17N10 and H18N11, which occur only in bats. A handful of subtypes of avian influenza A viruses are known to occasionally infect humans: H5, H6, H7, H9 and H10.

Flu spreads between birds through contact with infected saliva, respiratory droplets or feces. Some strains of avian flu cause mild illness in birds; others are deadly. Infected birds may sneeze or cough, develop swelling in various body parts, and appear uncoordinated or lethargic. That said, some birds can carry and spread flu viruses without falling sick themselves.

In people, avian flu symptoms resemble those of seasonal flu and can range from mild to severe, sometimes turning deadly. Symptoms also may include conjunctivitis — eye irritation and redness.

There are strains of bird flu that affect cattle and may be able to sicken people who drink raw milk from infected cows.

Person-to-person transmission of bird flu has historically been reported in isolated cases involving one to two individuals, but not during the ongoing outbreak in the U.S. Avian flu does not spread easily from person to person, but there is a growing risk that bird flu could mutate to become more contagious in humans, raising the risk of a bird flu pandemic.

Glossary

Sepsis: A life-threatening medical emergency caused by the body's extreme response to an infection. During sepsis, the immune system ceases to fight invading pathogens and begins attacking body tissues and organs.

Pneumonia: An infection that causes inflammation in lung tissue, filling the lungs with pus or fluid and restricting breathing. Pneumonia can occur in one lung or in both, and it may be caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi.

Rhinovirus: A type of virus that affects surface cells in the respiratory system. Rhinoviruses are the most frequent cause of the common cold. They spread through the air and through contact with contaminated surfaces.

Viral load: How much of a virus a person is carrying in their body. The more the virus replicates in a person, the higher their viral load will be. This typically makes the person more likely to spread the infection, as well.

Flu pictures

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(Image credit: Image courtesy of the Wilson, Carragher and Potter labs) Flu virus proteins self-replicate

Influenza virus proteins in the act of self-replication, captured with a microscope. The blue protein encloses the virus's RNA (green), its genetic material. An enzyme (orange) is reading and making copies of the RNA, which is necessary for making copies of the virus.

(Image credit: National Archives) 1918 flu epidemic

Soldiers with influenza at the hospital in Camp Funston, Kansas, in 1918. Camp Funston is where the influenza epidemic first made a major appearance. Troops from the camp carried the virus to other Army bases during World War I. The epidemic killed more than 50 million people worldwide, including 675,000 Americans.

(Image credit: NIAID/NIH) Influenza A virus (H1N1)

Colorized transmission electron micrograph of influenza A/H1N1 virus particles (blue). Influenza A/H1N1 can infect both humans and animals, including birds and pigs, and is one of several strains related to seasonal flu outbreaks.

(Image credit: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/NIH) Swine influenza particles

A colorized transmission electron micrograph shows swine influenza virus particles (blue) attached to and budding off of a cell (orange).

(Image credit: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/NIH) Universal influenza vaccine clinical trial

A healthy volunteer receives an experimental universal influenza vaccine as part of an early-phase clinical trial at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Scientists at NIAID's Vaccine Research Center (VRC) developed the vaccine.

Discover more about the flu

—How do people die of the flu?

—How long is the flu contagious?

—How to get better faster when you have the flu, according to science

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to offer medical advice.

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Have You Fallen Victim To The Horror Spring Cold? The 6 Best Ways To Beat It Fast, According To Doctors

IF you don't have a cold right now, you probably know someone that does.

Spring is a peak time for colds, which means bugs are doing the rounds right now.

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What you should (and should not) be doing to recover from a nasty cold or flu

Turns out cold viruses thrive in warmer weather too, multiplying more easily in mild temperatures.

And as the sun comes out, so do we - socialising more and giving those pesky bugs the perfect chance to spread.

When a cold strikes, it can set you back for several days - even weeks.

Work, social plans and general day-to-day activities feel ten times harder when you're suffering with a blocked or runny nose, a sore throat, fatigue and a cough. 

Don't expect to shift your cold quickly if you're going about your normal routine.

Give yourself time to properly rest until you are better. 

Dr Sherina Fernandes, Lead Physician at Bupa Health Clinics, says that resting allows your immune system to make the proteins it needs to fight infection.

"Mental rest plays a significant role in recovery," she says.

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"Stress can slow down your immune function, making it more difficult for your body to combat a cold. 

"Taking time to unwind and engage in calming activities, like focused breathing and listening to music, can enhance your wellbeing during this time."

Prioritising sleep is vital too; aim for more than eight hours, opting for an earlier bedtime than usual if you can. 

Dr Fernandes adds: "Saving your energy is vital; it supports the repair of damaged cells and helps you bounce back more swiftly from your illness."

According to the NHS, you can usually treat a cold without seeing your GP. 

But if you're desperate to hurry things along, follow these golden nuggets of expert advice…

1. UP YOUR ZINC

WHEN you're battling a cold, a zinc supplement could help your body recover more effectively.

Dr Fernandes says: "Zinc plays a crucial role in looking after your immune system and can be consumed through the food you eat or if you prefer to take a supplement, zinc lozenges can be an effective way to ensure adequate intake."

An analysis of research found that taking 75 milligrams (mg) to 100 mg of zinc every day, as soon as you notice a cold coming on, could reduce its duration by about two days.

Tuck into zinc-rich foods too such as meat, poultry, eggs, cheese, shellfish, root veg, nuts and seeds, and wholegrain cereals and breads. 

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Zinc is found in shellfishCredit: Getty 2. COMBINE MEDS

DON'T underestimate the power of over-the-counter meds.

Paracetamol and ibuprofen can provide relief from symptoms such as headaches and sore throat and can also reduce a fever. They can be taken together.

"Paracetamol and ibuprofen work by blocking pain signals and reducing inflammation, making you feel more comfortable as your body fights off the virus," says Dr Fernandes.

However, Dr Rosie Godeseth, associate medical director and GP at Vitality Health admits that they won't cure you.

Too much caffeine can dehydrate you, impacting your recovery and making your symptoms feel worse

Dr Rosie GodesethAssociate Medical Director and GP at Vitality Health

"Paracetamol and ibuprofen help with different symptoms," she says.

"Both reduce fevers, but if you have a terrible headache paracetamol will help, while ibuprofen is better at targeting sore throats and body aches due to its anti-inflammatory properties," says Dr Godeseth.

Plus, Dr Fernandes says that paracetamol can be taken on an empty stomach, while ibuprofen is best taken with food.

Be sure to follow recommended dosages carefully to avoid any potential side effects.

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A fever can be brought down with paracetamol or ibuprofenCredit: Getty 3. CUT THE GREASE

IF you've still got an appetite or can taste food, think about what you are feeding your body.

What you eat can really help or hinder your recovery - whilst sugary, fatty and greasy foods such as pastries, cakes and crisps might be your go-to when you're feeling down and under the weather, it's important to swerve them when you have a cold.

"These types of foods can lead to inflammation in your body, making it more challenging for your immune system to function effectively," says Dr Fernandes.

Instead, sip on soup - research has found that chicken soup could help lessen the inflammatory response associated with colds and ease symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections.

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Fatty, greasy foods? A no-go with a cold. But chicken soup gets the go-aheadCredit: Getty 4. BAN BOOZE

IT might offer comfort but alcohol really could make your cold worse.

"Alcohol can dehydrate your body and impair your immune function, prolonging your recovery time," says Dr Fernandes. 

So avoid hitting the bottle even if you are feeling a tad better. 

And Dr Godeseth says that it's also best to avoid too much tea and coffee.

"They might make you feel like you have more energy, but too much caffeine can dehydrate you, impacting your recovery and making your symptoms feel worse."

Hydrating fluids like water or herbal teas should be your new go-to.

5. SPOONFUL OF HONEY

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Knocking black a dollop of honey might help reduce your coughCredit: Getty

IT'S not just an old wive's tale: honey really can provide a natural remedy to your cold.

In a review published by Oxford University, honey was found to help significantly reduce cough severity and frequency compared to over-the-counter cough syrups or antibiotics. 

"Honey's effectiveness can be due to its natural properties, including antioxidant, antibacterial, and antimicrobial effects," says Dr Fernandes.

"These characteristics help combat the underlying causes of cold symptoms while also providing a soothing effect on irritated throats."

Try adding honey to your tea or take it by the spoonful.

HOW TO PREVENT YOUR COLD IN THE FIRST PLACE

OF course, avoiding a cold in the first place is better than having to try and get rid of one. Here's how…

1. VITAMIN C

WHILST taking an immune-supporting vitamin C supplement every day won't stop you getting a cold, research suggests that it can shorten the length of your cold when you do get one. 

"This is particularly beneficial for individuals at higher risk of catching colds, such as children in group childcare settings during the winter months," says Dr Fernandes.

It's always better to take a few days off to rest and recover than to push yourself too hard and risk making your symptoms worse

Shyamal PatelSenior Vice President of Science at Oura

Enjoy vitamin C-rich foods too such as peppers, kiwis, oranges, tomatoes, blackcurrants, strawberries, and broccoli.  

2. KEEP IT CLEAN

REGULARLY washing your hands with soap and water, especially after being in public places or touching surfaces that many people use, can significantly decrease your chances of picking up germs.

"Avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose, and mouth, since these are common entry points for viruses," adds Dr Fernandes.

3. JABS AWAY

IF you're eligible, Dr Fernandes says you should get vaccinated against the flu - and get Covid boosters when offered.

The NHS offers the flu vaccine every autumn for free to:

those aged 65 or over

pregnant women

anyone who has certain long-term health conditions

anyone living in a care home

those who are the main carer for an older or disabled person, receive a carer's allowance

those living with someone who has a weakened immune system.

4. THE 8-HOUR RULE

INTERESTINGLY, getting less than seven hours of sleep a night could make you 2.94 times more likely to develop a cold than if you sleep for eight hours or more, according to research.

Hitting the sack just an hour earlier, could really make all the difference to your health. 

Can you predict a cold before it hits?

Writer Lucy Gornall thinks you can…

These days, smart watches and other smart tech can actually give you a good indication that you might be about to come down with something. 

I've been wearing the Oura ring for 10 months now and twice, I've been alerted to the fact that my body is under more strain than usual. 

"Fluctuations in your average body temperature, respiratory rate, resting heart rate, heart rate variability, and inactive time can all be signs that you need to take time to focus on rest and recovery," says Shyamal Patel, Senior Vice President of Science at Oura.

Before getting sick last month, my resting heart rate overnight sat at 60 beats per minute (bpm). 

This wouldn't be a problem, however my usual resting heart rate is around 45. 

Lo and behold, two days later I was on the cusp of a full-blown cold, sniffling and coughing and struggling with a sore throat. 

But, because I had an inkling that I was about to get ill, I wound back my exercise, hopped into bed an hour earlier than usual and loaded up on all the vitamins I could before I fell ill, and I do genuinely think this stopped my cold from really coming out. 

Dr Patel says that the most important thing is to listen to your body.

"It's always better to take a few days off to rest and recover than to push yourself too hard and risk making your symptoms worse," he says.

"With minor symptoms, your body might still feel prepared to engage in more moderate exercise like jogging or yoga. When you feel more major signs of strain, however, it might be time to allow yourself time to recover."

Ultimately, when your body's sick, it's a sign to rest, and a few days of downtime will mean you aren't left nursing a cold for several weeks.

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