Autumn is here...and so are we.

With Winter around the corner, it is important to start preparing for the upcoming wave of Winter Germs and to be aware of what germs lurk during Autumn.

Why do we tend to get sick more often in Autumn?

The cooling air and changing weather patterns affect everything from your blood pressure to how your fingers feel. Seasonal variations in temperature can spark all kinds of health problems as our bodies take time to adjust to the change in temperature.

One of the most obvious issues are Autumn allergies. During Autumn, ragweed is often the top concern, though in some parts of the country, tree pollen can cause problems at the same time. If you suffer from allergies, it is important to identify the triggers as soon as possible so that you can take the necessary steps to limit exposure. If your sinus pressure just doesn't go away, it may be a sign of an undiagnosed seasonal allergy — so it's a good idea to get to your doctor as soon as your allergies start to flare up.

Below are a few Common Autumn Germs to look out for.

How are the most common Autumn Germs diagnosed and treated?

Allergies:

Your doctor can help find out what’s causing your watery, itchy eyes and runny nose. They'll talk to you about your medical history and symptoms, and may recommend a skin test.

How to treat Allergies:

- Steroid nasal sprays can help to reduce inflammation in your nose

- Decongestants can help to relieve stuffiness and dry up any mucus in the nose

- Being part of the Sprinkle Spray Disinfecting Program can help to rid your office and home

space from allergies

- Antihistamines will help to limit sneezing, itching and sneezing

- Allergy shots or oral tablets can help to alleviate some symptoms

- Allergy medication or nasal decongestant sprays can help to control symptoms

The Flu:

Your health care provider will conduct a physical exam, look for signs and symptoms of flu, and possibly order a test that detects influenza viruses.

How to treat the Flu:

- Rest and plenty of fluids

- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers

- An annual vaccine can help prevent the flu and limit its complications.

- Being part of the Sprinkle Spray Disinfecting Program as our disinfectant has been tested

against the flu

Sore Throat:

Your doctor may conduct a physical exam that includes using a lighted instrument to look at the throat, gently feeling the neck to check for any swollen glands (lymph nodes), listening to your breathing with a stethoscope. A throat swab may also be taken to test for Streptococcal Bacteria which causes a sore throat

How to treat a Sore Throat:

- Drink plenty of fluids, like tea with honey or soup

- Gargle with salt water, which can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria in the throat

- Use a humidifier or take a hot shower to add moisture to the air & help relieve throat pain

- Try over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen

- Suck on throat lozenges or hard candy, which can help keep the throat moist

- Avoid irritants like smoking, polluted air & strong chemicals

- Rest your voice as much as possible, and avoid yelling or whispering

- If your sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection like strep throat, your doctor may

prescribe antibiotics to help clear it up.

The Common Cold:

Is typically diagnosed based on the symptoms that you are experiencing. If your doctor suspects that you have a bacterial infection or other condition, he or she may order a chest X-ray or other tests to rule out other causes of your symptoms.

How to treat the Common Cold:

- Stay hydrated with warm fluids and get plenty of rest

- Soothe a sore throat with the above remedies and combat stuffiness with OTC saline nasal

sprays

- Relieve pain with anti-inflammatory medication

- Try over the counter cold remedies like cough suppressants, antihistamines and

decongestants

- Being part of the Sprinkle Spray Disinfecting Program can help to rid your office and home

space from germs and to help limit the spread of these germs to your loved ones

Norovirus:

It is usually diagnosed based on your symptoms, but noroviruses can be identified from a stool sample. If you have a weakened immune system or have other medical conditions, your health care provider might recommend a stool test to confirm the presence of norovirus.

How to treat Norovirus:

There is no specific cure for the infection. Main treatment consists of relieving symptoms which should go away in 1 - 3 days.

Being part of the Sprinkle Spray Disinfecting Program as our disinfectant has been tested

against EN 14476 Human Norovirus.

Acute Bronchitis:

Your doctor can tell if you have bronchitis based on your health history and symptoms (clinical diagnosis). He/she will listen to your lungs for signs of congestion and to make sure you’re breathing well. They might test you for viral infections, like the flu or COVID-19.

How to treat Acute Bronchitis:

- Rest and hydration

- Over-the-counter medications like cough suppressants and pain relievers

- Inhalers: If you are having difficulty breathing, your doctor may prescribe an inhaler to

help open up your airways

- Antibiotics: If your bronchitis is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe

antibiotics to help fight the infection

- Home remedies: Home remedies like using a humidifier, drinking warm liquids, and

gargling with salt water can also help relieve symptoms

Sinusitis:

- Physical exam: Your doctor will examine your face, nose and throat for signs of

inflammation or swelling, and may check for tenderness in the sinus areas

- Medical history: Your doctor may ask about your medical history and any past sinus

infections or related conditions you have experienced

- Symptom assessment: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, including how long you

have been experiencing them, and if you have any fever or fatigue.

- Imaging tests: In some cases, your doctor may order imaging tests such as a CT scan or

MRI to get a better look at your sinuses and confirm the diagnosis

How to treat Sinusitis:

- Use nasal decongestants/corticosteroids or saline nasal irrigation to clear mucus & reduce

inflammation

- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can

help relieve pain and discomfort associated with sinusitis

- Antibiotics: If sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed

- Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to remove blockages in the sinuses or to

repair structural abnormalities that contribute to chronic sinusitis

If you are not yet part of our program, get in touch for a free quotation of your facility or home. Prevention is better than cure, with our help, you will have peace of mind that a healthier environment is being created for your loved ones and staff.