COVID-19 Resource Center

Review the latest information on visitor policies, safety procedures, vaccines, and more in the COVID-19 Resource Center.

NASCAR Street Race Will Impact Travel to Some Northwestern Medicine Locations in Chicago

Streets around Grant Park in Chicago will be closed for several weeks this summer. This could impact your travel to Northwestern Memorial Hospital and some Northwestern Medicine outpatient centers. Street closures will begin on June 10 and may last through July 14. Plan extra time for travel.

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Quick Dose: Why Does the Cold Weather Make My Nose Run?

Chilly air means sniffly noses. When we breathe in, our noses warm the air and add moisture to it as it travels down into our lungs. Cold, dry air irritates your nasal lining, and as a result, your nasal glands produce excess mucus to keep the lining moist. That can cause those big, heavy drops that drip from your nostrils. Wearing a scarf in cold weather can help, because the air warms before it hits your nose.

A runny nose is one of the most typical symptoms of the common cold. We are more likely to pick up a cold in the winter because we spend more time inside, and germs are able to survive longer in dry air. We’re exposed to millions of germs every day that linger on doorknobs, keyboards and phones.

Frequent handwashing, cleaning surfaces at home and work, sneezing or coughing into your elbow, and staying home when you’re sick are key to avoid picking up — and spreading — germs.

If a runny nose is bothersome, ask your physician about some over-the-counter remedies.

Deborah S. Clements, MD, Northwestern Medical Group, Family Medicine