Fall allergies result from an "overreaction" by the immune system to a minor trigger. Fall allergies are most often triggered by weed and grass pollens. Locally, sagebrush and tumbleweed are common sources of pollen that trigger allergies. Certain tree varieties including Chinese elm also pollinate in the fall. Pollen counts are highest between 5 am and 10 am. Allergy sufferers may want to avoid the outdoors between these hours and on dry, windy days. Pollen can attach to clothing and pets and be brought indoors by them. Changing clothing after being outdoors and keeping pets indoors during allergy season may help reduce exposure to pollens. Mold spores can also trigger fall allergies. Molds are more common in the fall, as they feed on rotting vegetation. Molds can also be an indoor problem in areas such as the bathroom, attics, kitchen, refrigerator, garbage containers, house plants, and carpets. Antihistamines, decongestants, and cromolyn sodium nasal sprays are effective over-the-counter medications used to treat and prevent allergies. New anti-inflammatory eye drops that have recently been made available without a prescription can help with allergy-related eye symptoms such as watering and itching. Of particular concern to people with asthma is the fact that allergies often trigger worsening asthma symptoms. The inflammation associated with allergies increases mucous production in the airways and begins the cascade of events that can result in an asthma attack. People with asthma should be especially vigilant of allergy symptoms and take medications as determined by their care plan and monitor airflow via a peak flow meter regularly.

Cold viruses are more easily spread as the weather cools and people spend more time indoors in larger groups. Viruses are spread by droplet inhalation and from direct contact with contaminated surfaces. Prevention measures include washing hands and surfaces often with disinfectant solutions and avoiding large groups of people. Symptoms such as sneezing, headache, cough, fatigue and mild fever are associated with colds. Medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, pain relievers, and cough suppressants are used to help relieve symptoms of a cold but do not shorten the duration of the infection. The homeopathic remedy Zicam has been shown to reduce the severity and duration of a cold if used early in the course of the illness. Adequate hydration and rest are important to the ability to combat cold viruses. Cold symptoms differ from allergy symptoms in a number of ways. Nasal discharge with colds is often yellow or greenish while with allergies is clear and runny. Allergies do not cause fever while colds may. Cold symptoms intensify over about 4 days then diminish usually lasting about 10 days till full recovery. Allergy symptoms remain the same until the allergy season passes, usually the first frost.

The flu is caused by viruses. It can cause severe illness, especially in the elderly and very young. Severe headache and body aches, fever, and fatigue are symptoms that differentiate the flu from a cold. Adequate hydration and rest are extremely important in the recovery from the flu. Severe flu can result in hospitalization, most often a result of dehydration. Vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu. Vaccination should begin in mid-October and continue until confirmed cases of the flu appear in the community. The flu season usually goes from late December to April but can vary tremendously from community to community. Other prevention measures include washing hands and surfaces often with disinfectant solutions and avoiding large groups of people. Taos Pharmacy will begin flu vaccinations in mid-October by appointment only. Call Jake at 758-3342 for vaccination information.

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