| If you're in bed all day with flu-like symptoms, | | | | Dakota, you're not likely to be suffering from |
| allergies could be the actual root cause. Often, | | | | allergies, unless you're experiencing a reaction to |
| people mistake simple allergy signs for more | | | | animals or other allergens. Typically though, pollen |
| severe conditions like a cold or the flu. | | | | allergy season occurs during the warm months. |
| To learn more about allergies and differentiating | | | | However, not all allergic reactions are caused by |
| between an illness and a possible allergic reaction, | | | | pollen. As mentioned earlier, some may be caused |
| keep reading. | | | | by mold in the living or working environment, |
| All Allergies Aren't Created Equal | | | | some may be a result of airborne particles and |
| Just because someone is having an allergic | | | | pollution and others may even be caused by diet. |
| reaction doesn't mean they'll automatically exhibit | | | | Get a Diagnosis |
| a runny nose and itchy eyes. In fact, many | | | | Talk to your doctor, particularly if your flu-like |
| allergies are symptomatic as stomach pains, | | | | symptoms persist for a lengthy period of time. |
| aches, a rash or other flu-like indicators. Allergies | | | | You may be advised to see an allergist to be |
| are simply a range of reactions to different | | | | tested for various allergies. Your physician might |
| antigens, and those reactions can vary depending | | | | also prescribe various flu or allergy treatments to |
| on the individual and the allergy itself. | | | | test how effective they are. |
| Some allergic reactions are disguised as a | | | | Another professional you may want to speak to |
| low-grade fever, aches, pains and chills - all signs | | | | is a naturopath - this individual will test you for a |
| associated with the flu. | | | | variety of food and environment-based allergens. |
| Understanding the Difference | | | | He or she can also help you improve your diet as |
| Typically, a flu won't be either too short or long in | | | | a way of boosting your immune system and |
| duration. If your aches, pains and flu-like | | | | improving your ability to help you fight off viruses |
| symptoms seem to continue for several weeks | | | | like the flu. |
| or over the course of an allergen "season," it's a | | | | Get a Flu Shot |
| likely indicator that you're reacting to a particular | | | | If you're living with flu-like signs, allergies may be |
| pollen or airborne particle. When flu symptoms | | | | the root cause. But, you should still protect |
| continue indefinitely without relenting, you may | | | | yourself against the flu. For future years, protect |
| have a bigger problem - like mold in your living | | | | your body against the flu by arming it with an |
| environment. | | | | up-to-date flu vaccination. |
| If you suspect that mold or asbestos may be | | | | A number of people avoid a flu shot over fears |
| causing your chronic flu-like signs, you should | | | | of either ineffectiveness or actually catching the |
| consult with your doctor and look into having your | | | | flu from the vaccine. This, unfortunately, does |
| home thoroughly inspected. | | | | happen in a small percentage of cases. However, |
| Be Aware of the Seasons | | | | all-in-all almost anyone will benefit. |
| When it's mid-February and you live in North | | | | |