Are you sick or is it seasonal allergies?

Let’s discuss the difference. ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ [Healthline]( [Wellness Wire]( In a Nutshell So many people I know have itchy eyes and runny noses right now. With so many germs and allergens floating around this time of year, how can you tell if you’re actually sick or experiencing seasonal allergies? We’ll show you! First up, some stories you might want to read: • [Why do you have such vivid dreams?]( • [How to identify symptoms of a stroke]( • [6 possible causes of brain fog]( Be well, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline Written by Morgan Mandriota April 15, 2024 • 2.5 min read [Is it a cold, the flu, hay fever, or something else?]( what’s got us buzzing [Is it a cold, the flu, hay fever, or something else?]( If your [seasonal allergies]( are acting up worse than ever this year, you may thank climate change for that! A [2021 study]( found that pollen season starts 20 days earlier and has 21% more pollen than it did in 1990. *sigh* Other illnesses are also going around right now, such as the common cold and flu. Find out how to tell the difference in 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 or having trouble breathing!) Think you’re dealing with seasonal allergies? Consider taking over-the-counter meds, investing in an air purifier with [HEPA filter]( to reduce allergens in your home, and wearing sunglasses while outside to avoid getting pollen in your eyes. You can protect yourself from seasonal illnesses in many ways. Your best line of defense might be knowing how to avoid your exposure and figuring out whether you’re experiencing symptoms of the common cold, the flu, COVID-19, or a different virus. To prevent the flu, consider getting a flu shot and wash your hands often. To overcome the common cold it can help to drink plenty of water, try [science-backed home remedies](, and strengthen your [immune system through a healthy diet](. [seasonal allergy survival guide]( Great finds My family’s favorite tissue [Puffs Plus Lotion Tissues with Vicks]( [Puffs Plus Lotion Tissues with Vicks]( If you’re a fan of Vicks VapoRub, you’ll love these tissues. They’re the only ones allowed in my parents’ house. Seriously. One year, my dad had me drive around to three different drug stores to find this exact box because the others just wouldn’t cut it when he had a cold. The soft Puffs tissue combined with the potent Vicks scent really helps to soothe a raw nose and open up your sinuses! [SHOP NOW]( Every product we recommend has gone through either [Healthline's]( or Optum Store’s vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Store are owned by RVO Health. [Get the Wellness Wire Wishlist!]( Want health and wellness products that actually work? We vet and review hundreds of brands, services, and products to help you live better. Sign up for the Wishlist to get our recommendations and exclusive deals. [JOIN HERE]( health stories you need What we’re reading next [] 🍳 [15 easy, healthy, on-the-go breakfast ideas.]( This list covers options for kids *and* adults. 🌱 [Herbs and supplements for COPD.]( Can they help relieve symptoms? If so, which ones? 🧠[Symptoms and stages of Parkinson’s disease.]( Plus, what life expectancy looks like. 😖 [How to stop worrying about your health so much.]( These tips can help ease health anxiety. Thanks for reading! Stay healthy out there, friends. We’ll see you again on Wednesday to talk about something more fun. 🥳 Until next time, [healthline]( Take care of yourself, and we’ll see you again soon! [Telegram] This edition was powered by fruit snacks. [fb]( [tiktok]( [X]( [youtube]( [insta]( [View in browser]( Did a friend send you this email? [Subscribe here.]( To see all newsletters, [click here.]( [Privacy]( | [Unsubscribe]( Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional. Healthline is owned by RVO Health. © 2024 Healthline Media LLC 275 7th Ave., 24th Floor New York, NY 10001