Deep Dive: The "October Slide", Why Fall Can Trigger Chronic Illness SymptomsAs fall arrives, many people living with chronic illnesses and disabilities notice their symptoms getting worse. This seasonal flare-up, often called the “October Slide” or the “Fall Slide,” isn’t a medical diagnosis, but it describes increases in fatigue, dizziness, brain fog, joint pain, and other symptoms that often happen as summer turns to fall. If you experience this slide each fall, you are not alone—you’re not imagining it, and it may be possible to manage your symptoms with a bit of knowledge and preparation. Maybe you know a family member, friend, or co-worker who experiences the Fall Slide. We hope this information helps you understand why it happens and gives you tools to offer support and understanding. Why Symptoms Worsen in the Fall Several changes that come with cooler weather can contribute to the October Slide: - Lower Vitamin D Levels: Shorter days and less sunlight can lead to vitamin D deficiency. Low vitamin D is linked to fatigue, muscle pain, dizziness, brain fog, and even changes in mood, such as depression and anxiety.
- Barometric Pressure Drops: Falling air pressure in cooler, wetter months can cause tissue swelling, joint stiffness, and muscle aches.
- Seasonal Allergies: Ragweed, mold, and dust mites peak in the fall and can worsen respiratory symptoms and inflammation.
- Cold and Flu Season: Viral infections can place extra stress on the immune system, making chronic illness symptoms harder to manage.
- Reduced Physical Activity: Shorter days and colder weather often mean less exercise, which can increase stiffness, pain, and fatigue.
- Increased Stress: The return of school and work routines in the fall can elevate stress, which may worsen conditions like fibromyalgia, dysautonomia, or autoimmune diseases.
Conditions Often Affected The October Slide may affect a wide range of chronic illnesses and disabilities, including: - Fibromyalgia
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)
- Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
- Long COVID
- Rheumatic diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)
- Autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis or inflammatory bowel diseases
Strategies to Manage the October Slide While the October Slide can feel overwhelming, there are steps that may reduce its impact: - Talk to Your Healthcare Provider: Be open about your changing symptoms. Providers may recommend medication adjustments, testing vitamin D levels, or other treatment changes.
- Support Vitamin D Intake: Incorporate vitamin D–rich foods such as fortified dairy, salmon, or eggs, and ask your healthcare provider about supplements.
- Stay Active: Gentle movements like walking, yoga, or stretching can help prevent stiffness and support strength.
- Track Weather Changes: Apps that monitor barometric pressure may help you prepare for flare-ups by planning rest or using pain-relief strategies.
- Prevent Illness: Stay up to date on recommended vaccines, wash hands often, and practice good hygiene to reduce the risk of colds, flu, and COVID-19.
- Manage Stress: Relaxation techniques like meditation, journaling, or deep breathing can help lower stress levels that worsen symptoms.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water supports energy, circulation, and symptom management.
- Adjust your schedule: Talk with your employer or teachers about creating a more flexible schedule that works with your changing symptoms.
The October Slide is a common challenge for people with chronic illnesses, and you are not alone if you experience it. By understanding the seasonal changes that affect your health and preparing with simple strategies to support both your body and mind, you can ease symptoms and make the fall months more comfortable. Sources: |
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