NEW YORK
© 2007  The Associated Press

Warm winter weather is taking a toll on people's health.

Spring really shouldn't be in the air in January.

And what's in the air could be a pain to those with allergies to pollen.

Dr. Jordan Josephson is a sinus specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

He says the mild weather has produced a "pretty ruthless" season for coughs and colds.

Inconsistent weather leaves many people wearing clothes that aren't appropriate for conditions which could lower their resistance.

And children returning to school are coming into contact with more germs, and passing them along.

Josephson says there are some ways to cope.

He says people should get plenty of rest, drink lots of liquids and eat right.

But if symptoms persist and develop into sinus infections, he says people must see their doctors for antibiotics.

Josephson has also written a book with tips for relief of sinus ailments, called "Sinus Relief Now."