Is the Changing Weather Getting you Down?

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – This spring has been filled with changing temperatures and lots of pollen.

The hot to cold and cold to hot temps are being felt outside and on our health.

Trying to stay well this time of year can be a challenge.

The up and down temps can leave you feeling stuffy and sick.

Nurse Practitioner Kristi Robertson says staying healthy can come down to what you’re wearing.

“Well, as silly as it may sound, dressing appropriately is one of the main things. We get used to it being 70 to 80 degrees, and then two days later it’s 40. You can’t still go out in T-shirt and shorts,” said Robertson.

It’s not just the up and down temps causing all of the sniffles.

“The other thing that is making it harder is the pollen is so bad right now,” said Robertson. “I can’t tell you how many people we’ve seen that come in and are like, ‘I don’t have allergies, but my nose will not quit,’ it’s either stopped up or it’s running, and it’s the pollen.”

She says saline can help stop allergens before they become a problem.

“What I’ve been telling people is, after your outside, for any length of time, get some saline over the counter. Super cheap. Rinse your nose out when you come back in, and it rinses out all that stuff starting to get you all irritated,” said Robertson.

On top of everything else, the flu is still in full swing.

“This has been the worst flu season I’ve ever seen,” said Robertson.

And the best way to help prevent the flu comes down to your hands.

“Hands down the best prevention is good hand washing,” said Robertson. “Cause you don’t know where everyone else has been, you touch stuff. Keep hand sanitizer, wash your hands as much as possible, and keep your hands off your face.”