When cold and flu season approaches, I know many of you cringe as I do knowing there will be vast challenges ahead. As the cold weather increases, chances of catching a bug do, too. Not only that, but those last minute colds and flu begin to run rampant just as the weather begins to bring on spring when you thought you were over the hump. How many friends and family do you know right now trying to ward off an off-season malady? To add on more hardship these seasonal changes, they do trigger a fibro flare. Unfortunately, the problems extend beyond sniffles and a runny nose. – Do you know you are much more likely than the average person to deal with severe symptoms, complications, and long-term effects?
Fibromyalgia sufferers are particularly vulnerable to weather fluctuations that come with changing seasons, as their bodies scramble to regulate the external temperature drops and surges. But while some suffer most from changes in barometric pressure, others have an even tougher time dealing with the frigid lows of winter. In most cases, changes in air pressure, wind speed, temperature and humidity will all weigh in on your physical comfort.
Protecting Against Colds and Flu
Fibromyalgia sufferers are particularly vulnerable to weather fluctuations that come with changing seasons, as their bodies scramble to regulate the external temperature drops and surges. But while some suffer most from changes in barometric pressure, others have an even tougher time dealing with the frigid lows of winter. In most cases, changes in air pressure, wind speed, temperature and humidity will all weigh in on your physical comfort.
Protecting Against Colds and Flu
- Soak in the warmth. Get in the habit of taking a warm bath each night, which will relax your muscles and restore the warmth on a deeper level. When the damp cold gets to your bones, your best line of attack is moist heat to relieve fibro aches and pains.
- Find the right fabric balance. You need to stay warm, but heavy layers can put uncomfortable pressure on your sore muscles. The solution? Naturally thin, naturally warm fibers, like merino wool, or fleece for the extra cold days.
- Get a good bedtime routine. What you do before bed can greatly affect your sleep, and your sleep quality can greatly affect your symptoms. Use natural wool sheets and pajamas. Try several layers of light blankets. This way you can toss one off if you become to heated.
- As the season breaks begin to take 15-20 minute sunbathing trips. This could be just outside your back door. Soaking in the sun offers vitamin D and can "trick" your body into believing you made it through the cold hump.
- Most importantly rest. Don't feel the minute you gain some reprieve you should get caught up on what you've been putting off. Do a few chores and go back and rest. This could take some time. AND- yes, and that could mean weeks of discomfort. But, the more your rest, the quicker you'll heal.
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