Seasonal Health Tips
Spring
Spring is here!
Daffodils, Easter eggs, and a whole host of new health issues and ailments to come down with.
From respiratory viruses to hay fever, chances are you’ll find yourself feeling under the weather this time of year.
Read on to find out more about the most common that occur in spring, and what you can do to help manage your health throughout the season.
The perils of hay fever
Hay fever is a very common condition, impacting more than 23% of the British population. Sometimes known as allergic rhinitis, hay fever ‘occurs when the immune system overreacts to allergens present in the air’ (Allergy UK, 2026).
Symptoms can include:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Runny or blocked nose
- Itchy, red, or watery eyes
- Itchy throat, mouth, nose or ears
- Loss of smell
- Pain around the sides of your head and your forehead
- Headache
- Feeling tired
Symptoms for hay fever can occur year-round, however generally they are most prevalent in late March to early September.
Common solutions to soothing hay fever symptoms include a teaspoon of honey, over-the-counter hay fever medicines, and nettle tea, which has been said to have antihistamine properties. (Dale, 2026)
Avoiding the common cold
The common cold is, as the name so aptly suggests, very common. It can affect people throughout the year, no matter the season, but is generally considered to be a winter ailment due to the influx of sufferers during winter months. However, it usually has a second peak, in spring. Due to the warmer weather, many people become more social during April and May, meaning there’s more chance for common cold viruses to be passed along. Although similar to flu, the common cold’s symptoms differ slightly. They include:
- Runny nose
- Congestion
- Sneezing
Common colds can lead to chest infections, and even pneumonia.
There are several ways to discourage getting a common cold, such as regularly and thoroughly washing your hands, avoiding rubbing your eyes and nose, and using hand sanitizer where possible.
RSV and what to look out for
Respiratory Syncytial Virus, commonly known as RSV, is an RNA virus. RSV is generally quite harmless to adults, and the symptoms mirror those of the common cold, but it can have some debilitating effects on the elderly, and young children. It’s regularly found in babies and children under the age of two. Up to 9 in 10 children get RSV before they turn two years old. (Asthma and Lung UK, 2026)
Symptoms for RSV include:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Tiredness
- Wheezing
- Breathlessness
- A high temperature
RSV is particularly common in more vulnerable people such as young children and older people, but it can affect anyone. The NHS offer a vaccine to pregnant women and people over the age of 75, to help combat the effects of respiratory syncytial virus.
Spring cleaning
Spring cleans are an excellent way to combat viruses and bacteria and can help to reduce your chances of coming down with these common ailments by a considerable amount. Cleaning with disinfectant sprays kill germs and bacteria, lowering your chances of catching ills such as RSV and the common cold.
Spring can be an exciting time of year, despite the increased chance of illness. Look forward to the warmer weather, but don’t forget to protect yourself from bacteria, allergies, and viruses, by washing your hands regularly and cleaning your spaces.
References
Allergy UK. (2026, April 4th). Hay Fever and Allergic Rhinitis. Retrieved from Allergy UK: https://www.allergyuk.org/about-allergy/types-of-allergies/hayfever/
Asthma and Lung UK. (2026, April 16th). What is respiratory syncytial virus? . Retrieved from Asthma and Lung UK: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditions/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv/what-respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv
Dale, N. (2026, April 15th). Stinging Nettle: Natural Antihistamine to Ease Seasonal Allergies and Hay Fever. Retrieved from Nick Dale – Naturopath: https://nickdale-naturopath.co.uk/natural-approach-to-seasonal-allergies-hay-fever/
This article provides general information only and is not medical advice. If you have concerns about your health, please speak to a healthcare professional.
