With its cozy moments, festive gatherings, and crisp air, winter can be wonderful. But it can also come with a host of seasonal complaints. From sniffles and sore throats to fatigue and body aches, these symptoms can make it hard to tell whether you’re experiencing cold-weather discomforts or getting sick.
Understanding what common winter symptoms may signal and how to easily recognize early signs of illness can help you respond quickly and support your body when it needs it most.
Common Complaints
Nasal congestion or runny noses
Cold air, dry indoor environments, and seasonal irritants can all contribute to nasal congestion or a runny nose during winter. If symptoms are mild and don’t interfere with breathing, they’re often just caused by the cold, dry weather.
Sore throat
Sore throats may result from post-nasal drip, dry indoor air, or using your voice more than usual. Because post-nasal drip can also be an early sign of a cold, it’s helpful to consider whether the environment may be a factor before assuming germs are to blame.
Fatigue
Shorter daylight hours and busier schedules can leave many people feeling more tired than usual in winter. However, fatigue that comes on suddenly or feels unusually intense may be an early sign of flu.
Body aches
Cold weather stiffness or general tiredness can cause mild body aches while more pronounced or persistent aches that don’t improve with movement or warmth may signal flu-like illness. The main difference between everyday complaints and the onset of illness is the rate and severity of the symptoms. If you start to feel unwell, ask yourself:
Did symptoms come on gradually or suddenly?
Are the symptoms mild and manageable, or do they interfere with daily activities?
Is there fever, chills, or significant body aches accompanying my symptoms?
Listening to your body and acting early can make a big difference in how long your symptoms last. At the first sign of flu-like symptoms, you can take Oscillococcinum. This homeopathic flu medicine has been shown in clinical studies to reduce both the duration and severity of flu-like symptoms such as body aches, headache, fever, chills, and fatigue.* It is non-drowsy and suitable for adults and children 2 years of age and older.
For cold symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and sore throat**, try ColdCalm. This homeopathic cold medicine offers targeted relief during the onset, established, and resolution stages of the common cold. Phenylephrine-free and with no risk of rebound congestion, ColdCalm is suitable for adults and children ages 4 and up.
Symptoms such as nasal congestion and body aches are common, but understanding what your body is telling you may help you take timely, helpful actions. Whether you’re managing everyday seasonal discomforts or responding to early signs of sickness, being prepared with solutions and medicines can help you stay well and enjoy the season.
For more winter wellness tips, self-care ideas, and helpful resources, be sure to explore Boiron’s Wellness Tips blog.
*These “Uses” have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
**Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated.
