Avoiding a Fall Cold When You Have Dysautonomia

As the leaves turn and fall takes over, cold and flu season quietly sneaks in. For most people, a seasonal cold is a temporary inconvenience, but for those of us living with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) and other forms of dysautonomia, even a simple cold can feel like running a marathon with a brick on your chest. When you already battle chronic illness daily, the last thing you need is another challenge that knocks you off balance.

How a Cold Feels When You Have POTS

For some, getting a cold with POTS isn’t just about a sore throat and a stuffy nose. Every symptom is magnified. A simple cold morphs into debilitating fatigue, worsening dizziness, and intense brain fog. It can take what feels like an eternity to recover because your body already struggles to regulate blood flow and heart rate under normal circumstances.

"I remember catching a cold last fall—it started with a slight sniffle, but within a day, my symptoms snowballed," explained a potsie ironically named Autumn. "Standing for even a few minutes made me feel lightheaded and shaky, my POTS symptoms flared up worse than usual."

5 Ways to Avoid Colds During Fall

1. Wash Your Hands Regularly
It’s one of the simplest but most effective ways to avoid germs. Keep hand sanitizer with you when washing isn’t an option, especially after being in public places.

2. Avoid Crowded Areas
During cold season, crowded places are breeding grounds for viruses. If you can, avoid peak times for shopping or other outings. If you must go out, consider wearing a mask for extra protection.

3. Support Your Immune System
Stay ahead by keeping your immune system strong. A balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, along with vitamin D and C supplements, can give your body the tools it needs to fight off infections.

4. Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is critical for your immune system to function properly. Make sure you’re getting enough rest to keep your body resilient against seasonal colds.

5. Stay Hydrated
Hydration is important year-round, but especially during cold and flu season. Drinking enough water helps flush out toxins and keeps your immune system running smoothly.  NormaLyte is a perfect option to stay hydrated!  It's a medical grade electrolyte called an oral rehydration salt.  It will help you hydrate by allowing you to hold onto hydration.

Autumn goes on to say, "NormaLyte has been a game changer for me personally.  Not only when I've had a cold, but just in general for my dysautonomia.  I tell everyone I know about it."  

Before starting any supplement, be sure to talk to your doctor about your specific needs and ask what you might do to prevent catching a cold or the flu.  How are you avoiding cold and flu season?  Share with us in the comments!