It is possible to develop allergies at any age. In fact, because repeated exposure to substances can prompt an allergic reaction, you are more likely to develop allergies as you get older. Spring is an especially active time for allergies. As temperatures rise, plants and trees release pollen into the air wreaking havoc on people who suffer from plant allergies, also known as hay fever. Below are a few ways to determine if your sniffling might be caused by seasonal allergies.

• Symptoms kicked in fast; a cold will take days.
• Symptoms last longer than a week.
• You don’t have fever or body aches.
• Your nose is runny and clear; mucus caused by a cold will be yellow.

If you have allergies, you can alleviate the symptoms by staying indoors during times when pollen counts are highest, usually early and late in the day. You can also help to prevent allergy symptoms by keeping your windows closed and avoiding outdoor chores, such as mowing the lawn. If you must do yard work, wear a mask that filters pollen, and try using an over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medication.

Flu can be serious for everyone, but it tends to be hardest on the young, the old, and individuals with underlying health issues. Everyone six months and older should get the annual flu vaccine. It is never too late to get the vaccine.

Garden City Hospital and other area health care providers are prepared to vaccinate anyone who needs to be, and I encourage everyone to get a flu shot as soon as possible.

Most adults are contagious one day before symptoms develop and up to seven days after becoming sick. Children may pass the virus for longer than seven days. Symptoms generally begin one to four days after the virus enters the body. That means you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you even know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

How long germs live depends on where they fall. Specific cold and flu germs have survival times ranging from a few minutes to 48 hours or more. How long such germs remain capable of infecting you in day-to day life is harder to say.

Germs generally remain active longer on stainless steel, plastic and similar hard surfaces than on fabric and other soft surfaces. It’s easy to catch the flu or a cold from rubbing your nose after handling an infected object an infected person sneezed on. But personal contact with an infected person — a handshake, for example — is the most common way these germs spread.

The best way to avoid becoming infected with a cold or flu virus is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water or with an alcohol-based sanitizer. Again, and most importantly, get a flu vaccine every year.

Prescription Tamiflu is not a cure all, but it can decrease the duration of illness by 30% to 40%, and decrease flu severity by about 40% if taken in the first 36 to 48 hours of illness. It can also help prevent flu illness in people who have come into close contact with a flu patient.

It’s important to note, because of the severity of this year’s flu outbreak, pharmacies are struggling to meet the demand for Tamiflu. If it’s too late for a flu shot and you’re experiencing early flu symptoms, stay home and call your doctor. If you need a physician you can call the GCH Physician Referral Service at 877.717.WELL.

The timing of flu is very unpredictable and can vary from season to season. Flu activity in the U.S. most commonly peaks in January or February; however, it can begin as early as October and continue to occur as late as May.

Flu viruses are constantly changing and flu vaccines are formulated each year to keep up with these changing viruses. This year one flu vaccine protects against three different viruses which are circulating today; influenza B viruses, influenza A (H1n1) viruses and influenza A (H3n2).

Have your children remember these three rules: I will use Kleenex, I will wash my hands, and I will stay away from anybody who is sick.

Keep small children away from crowds as much as possible. Small groups are best. As always, try to stay away from people who have the flu.

Cold weather does not cause colds. People who live year-round above the Arctic Circle have no more winter colds than people living in Australia. On the contrary, cold weather appears to stimulate the immune system according to a study by the Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine. Hypothermia (the lowering of the body’s core temperature) does suppress immunity, which can lead to colds.

Make sure to dress appropriately for the weather by using hats, gloves, scarves, thick socks and warm shoes or boots.

The most common way to pass the flu virus is through human contact. While it may feel impolite not to shake an extended hand, most people would prefer not to be given the gift of flu. In those instances where a hug or hand shake feels needed, simply let the other person know that you may have come in contact with the flu and would not want to pass it on. This gets you both off the hook and will be appreciated.

On that same topic, while employers appreciate a dedicated employee, they will not appreciate one who causes the whole office to call in sick. Don’t try to be a hero. If you’re sick, stay home and get well. You need your rest and others don’t want your bug. If you’re concerned about what your boss will think, call and ask what you should do. Let your boss tell you to stay home…most will.