I second the Neti pot! I have had infections that I have washed away doing this (so no antibiotics!). Actually I am doing it right now. I had a cold and some allergies which then became an infection. I have turned the corner now and I should have it beat in a few days. I make my own salt water. I know others who have done the same. These bacterial infections are usually just an overgrowth of your own bacteria who have taken advantage of the congested environment which occurred from a virus or from the allergies.

Jbug, I don't think that being cold makes you sick, actually I think too much heat can dry you out which isn't good for your mucous membranes. I only asked about the weather change because this is when we pull out our warmer clothes and blankets which have been in storage and are full of dust mites. We wash everything that comes out of storage (or just hung our your closet since last season) or we will get sick.