The temperature scales are on the rise and the snow has almost melted. After the dreary, gray, cold of winter comes spring, refreshing the earth and our spirits with beauty and promise. The time has come to bid adieu to winter and celebrate the exuberance and warmth of the lovely spring with arms wide open.

However, with exquisite beauty, comes a small price to pay! Spring brings with it a host of potential health ailments which are hard to steer clear of. Nevertheless, prevention and ample care can protect you to some measure from getting the worst of it. Here are some common spring time illnesses that are about to rear their ugly head with the first blossom of the season:

Allergies

When pollen count is on the high, many people are prone to allergies, which run the gamut from mild to ripping-your-hair-out bad. Of these, nasal allergies are the most widespread manifestation, causing a runny nose, nasal congestion, itchiness, post-nasal drip and dry throat, excessive sneezing, persistent coughing, fevers, and dark circles under eyes. If you are allergic to pollen, your best bet is to stay indoors on windy days and when the pollen count in high. During the high allergy season, keep your windows and doors shut, and don’t hang-dry your laundry outside where it may pick up pollen. Keeping window air conditioning on recirculation also helps to keel the outside air out.

Colds

While colds are a nuisance all through the winter, they are ever more persistent during the spring. One way to protect yourself from a bout of cold is to wash your hands frequently. Try to stock up on plenty of Vitamin D and C, and eat a healthy, balanced diet to boost your immune system. If you do catch a cold, try to get some rest, slurp up chicken soup, and sip honey in warm water.

Strep Throat

When we talk about spring time illnesses, Strep throat can be a debilitating and painful condition. A severely sore throat, complemented by a fever as well as swollen tonsils, can leave you gasping in bed. Since Strep throat is contagious, the only way to avoid it is to steer clear of anybody who has contracted it. Instead of pushing your illness too far, visit a doctor immediately for a diagnosis.

Lyme disease

We are not the only ones delving in to the balmy warmth of spring! Spring welcomes with it all types of creatures that have been hiding away during the winter, and that means the bugs as well. Lyme disease is commonly spread by the deer tick, which can be found in wooded areas and tall grass. While not as contagious as a flu or cold, Lyme disease can leave you with muscle pain, headache, chills, and fever, as well as skin rashes. If you plan to enjoy the blooming season by taking a hike or biking in the wild, wear light and breathable cotton clothing, making sure that your skin is entirely covered to avoid ticks. If you do find a tick on your skin, remove in immediately with a pair of tweezers.

Spring Dermatitis

With the rising temperatures, heightens the possibility of contracting spring Dermatitis, especially in the month of April. Spring Dermatitis is a sort of photosensitive skin disease, caused by an allergic reaction to ultraviolet radiation or allergic reaction. According to experts, always wear sunscreen when heading out to prevent your skin from damage wreaked by the ultraviolet rays. Refrain from using make-up that incorporates a high quantity of light-sensitive material. Load up on plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamin A during the season. Never wash your face with hot water, alkaline soap, or a coarse face cloth.

Asthma

Like seasonal allergies, asthma can flare up in the spring. Common triggers include pollen, air temperature changes, yard fertilizers, and insect repellants. Don’t forget potential indoor triggers from spring cleaning, such as dust and cleaning chemicals. Contact your doctor if you have trouble controlling your asthma symptoms or need your rescue inhaler more than twice a week. Remember to use your peak flow meter to check your asthma control. You can buy a meter at your local pharmacy or drug store.

Are you suffering from any of these spring time illnesses? What protective measures are you taking?