Why do I seem to catch every bug that’s going around?
Summary
Getting sick more often than friends usually comes down to a mix of immune function, exposure, and underlying conditions. Recurrent infections can signal vitamin deficiencies, uncontrolled allergies, chronic stress, sleep debt, or an undiagnosed immune disorder. Tracking symptoms, limiting exposure, checking key labs (vitamin D, CBC, immunoglobulins), and addressing lifestyle gaps can cut infection days by half in many patients.
Could a weaker immune system explain why I catch every cold that goes around?
Yes. Your immune system may be underperforming because of genetics, nutrient gaps, chronic stress, or undiscovered medical conditions. As the team at Eureka Health notes, "Most people who report 6–8 colds a year end up having a modifiable risk factor once we investigate."
- Low immunoglobulin levels increase infection riskAbout 1 in 500 adults have IgA deficiency; these patients average twice as many sinus and lung infections per year compared with the general population.
- Vitamin D below 30 ng/mL weakens innate immunityLow vitamin D reduces production of antimicrobial peptides; a 2022 meta-analysis showed 23 % higher respiratory infection rates in people who are deficient.
- Chronic psychological stress suppresses natural killer (NK) cellsStudies demonstrate a 40 % drop in NK cell activity after 3 months of high perceived stress, making it easier for viruses to take hold.
- Sleep under 6 hours nearly triples cold riskA landmark study found short sleepers had a 2.9-fold higher chance of developing rhinovirus illness after controlled exposure.
- Over 1,300 genetic variants influence how often we get sickLarge genomic studies have already catalogued more than 1,300 DNA variants that alter a person’s susceptibility to infection, helping explain why some individuals seem to catch every circulating cold while others stay healthy. (NewSci)
- Typical adults only catch two to three colds per yearCDC data referenced by clinicians show most adults experience just 2–3 common colds annually; logging six or more colds is above the normal range and merits an immune work-up. (Flo)
When should frequent illnesses raise a red flag for serious disease?
Certain patterns suggest something more than "bad luck." Sina Hartung, MMSC-BMI cautions, "Two or more severe infections in one year—pneumonia, sepsis, deep-tissue abscess—always warrant an immune work-up."
- Hospital-level infections point to immune deficiencyNeeding IV antibiotics for pneumonia or cellulitis twice in 12 months is uncommon and should trigger evaluation for primary or secondary immunodeficiency.
- Opportunistic infections are alarmingThrush, shingles before age 50, or recurrent fungal nail infections can indicate HIV, diabetes, or immunosuppressive medication effects.
- Slow wound healing suggests diabetes or vascular diseaseA non-healing cut persisting beyond 2 weeks may reflect poor circulation or hyperglycemia impairing white-cell function.
- Unintentional weight loss can hide malignancyLosing more than 5 % body weight over 6 months with recurrent fevers may signal lymphoma or other cancers affecting immunity.
- Multiple antibiotic courses flag immune dysfunctionAdults requiring more than two rounds of antibiotics in a single year for common infections should undergo evaluation for primary immunodeficiency, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. (AAAAI)
- Chronic diarrhea with weight loss is a key warning signNational Jewish Health warns that persistent diarrhea accompanied by weight loss belongs to the adult "10 Warning Signs" of primary immunodeficiency and merits prompt specialist referral. (NJH)
Do allergies and asthma make me look ‘sickly’ all the time?
Yes. Allergic inflammation clogs airways and sinuses, giving viruses a fertile ground. The team at Eureka Health explains, "We see nasal allergies drive 30 % of repeat sinus infections in our primary-care clinics."
- Allergic rhinitis blocks sinus drainageThickened mucosa traps bacteria; patients with perennial allergies have a 2-fold higher sinusitis rate.
- Asthma inflames lower airwaysPoorly controlled asthma raises the odds of viral bronchitis by 50 % because inflamed bronchi clear pathogens less efficiently.
- Antihistamines can dry mucus excessivelyOver-use of first-generation antihistamines slows ciliary motion; balance allergy control with adequate hydration.
- Asthma-inflamed airways increase susceptibility to common coldsVerywell Health states that people with poorly controlled asthma “may be more likely to catch a cold” because inflamed airway lining lets respiratory viruses take hold more easily. (Verywell)
- Allergies and asthma share triggers that prolong congestion and wheezeMayo Clinic notes that “many people with allergies also have asthma,” so continuous exposure to allergens can keep both upper- and lower-airway symptoms active year-round, reinforcing a persistently ‘sickly’ appearance. (Mayo)
References
- JACI: https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(12)01031-7/fulltext
- Verywell: https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-to-do-if-a-cold-makes-asthma-worse-200917
- Mayo: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/in-depth/allergies-and-asthma/art-20047458
- AAFA: https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-triggers-causes/respiratory-infections-flu-cold-asthma/
Which daily habits can cut my sick days in half?
Small changes target the same immune pathways medicines do. Sina Hartung, MMSC-BMI advises, "Consistent sleep and vaccinations outperform megadose supplements every time."
- Aim for 7–9 hours of uninterrupted sleepPeople who extend sleep from 5.5 to 7.5 hours reduce respiratory infection days by 38 % in randomized trials.
- Wash hands for 20 seconds, 8+ times dailyMeta-analysis across 16 studies shows a 24 % drop in viral spread with strict hand hygiene.
- Prioritize balanced, protein-rich mealsImmunoglobulin synthesis requires amino acids; diets supplying 1 g/kg protein correlate with fewer infections among older adults.
- Manage stress with 10 minutes of daily mindfulnessA 2021 RCT found 31 % fewer colds in participants practicing guided breathing compared to controls.
- Log 150 minutes of moderate exercise each weekCentraCare reports that people who engage in regular, moderate activity experience 25–50 % fewer colds compared with sedentary peers. (CentraCare)
- Schedule your flu shot before peak seasonGetting the annual influenza vaccine is highlighted by CentraCare as the single most effective step to prevent flu-related sick leave altogether. (CentraCare)
Which lab tests and medications are most relevant to frequent infections?
Objective data can reveal hidden deficiencies. The team at Eureka Health states, "A basic immune panel plus micronutrient screen finds actionable issues in 4 out of 10 patients who complain of constant colds."
- Complete blood count (CBC) spots neutropeniaAn absolute neutrophil count below 1.5 ×10⁹/L triples risk of bacterial infections.
- Serum immunoglobulins detect common variable immune deficiencyIgG under 600 mg/dL with low IgA or IgM meets criteria for CVID in adults.
- 25-hydroxy vitamin D guides supplementationLevels under 30 ng/mL justify lifestyle or supplement interventions per Endocrine Society guidelines.
- Vaccination review prevents misfiresUp-to-date flu and pneumococcal shots can reduce respiratory hospitalizations by 45 % in high-risk adults.
- IVIG targeting IgG > 500 mg/dL lowers infection frequencyMonthly infusions of pooled immunoglobulin for common variable immune deficiency kept serum IgG above 500 mg/dL, reducing infection rates and preserving pulmonary function. (CCJM)
- More than two antibiotic courses yearly warrants immune work-upThe AAAAI advises evaluating adults who need over two courses of antibiotics or intravenous antibiotics each year, as this pattern often indicates an underlying immunodeficiency suitable for prophylactic therapy. (AAAAI)
How can Eureka’s AI doctor support me when I feel a cold starting?
Early, personalized guidance matters. Sina Hartung, MMSC-BMI notes, "Eureka’s symptom-checker flags concerning patterns and nudges users toward care before complications set in."
- Real-time triage avoids unnecessary ER visitsThe AI asks 20–40 targeted questions and advises home care vs. urgent care based on CDC algorithms.
- Proactive lab ordering catches deficiencies fastIf repeat infections appear, Eureka can suggest a CBC or vitamin D test; licensed physicians review every order before release.
- Evidence-based self-care plans appear instantlyUsers receive tailored hydration, rest, and decongestant suggestions sourced from peer-reviewed guidelines.
Why use Eureka’s AI doctor long-term if I get sick more than my friends?
Ongoing tracking reveals patterns that one-off clinic visits miss. The team at Eureka Health reports, "Members who log symptoms for 90 days cut unplanned doctor visits by 27 %."
- Symptom and medication diary uncovers triggersDaily logging highlights links between poor sleep and flare-ups, guiding actionable changes.
- Secure chat answers questions within minutesUnlike clinic calls that can take days, AI responses arrive 24/7 and are overseen by physicians for accuracy.
- High user satisfaction among chronic infection sufferersPeople using Eureka for recurrent sinusitis rate the app 4.7 out of 5 stars for "helpfulness" in post-consult surveys.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many colds per year are still considered normal for adults?
Two to three uncomplicated colds annually is average; more than six suggests looking for risk factors.
Can taking daily vitamin C prevent me from getting sick?
Regular vitamin C only shortens colds by about 8 % and does not stop them altogether; correcting true deficiencies is still helpful.
Should I ask for an immune system ‘boosting’ shot?
No injection reliably boosts immunity in healthy adults; vaccinations are the only proven immunomodulating shots.
Is it normal to get every stomach bug my toddler brings home?
Parents of young children encounter up to double the viral exposures; improving hand hygiene and keeping up with rotavirus and flu vaccines helps.
Could frequent UTIs be related to the same immune issue causing my colds?
Possibly; recurrent infections in different body sites warrant an immune evaluation including IgG subclasses.
Do oral steroids for asthma make me more prone to infections?
Yes, repeated courses of systemic steroids can suppress white blood cell function; discuss inhaled-only regimens with your doctor.
How long should I wait before seeing a specialist for recurrent infections?
If lifestyle changes and vaccination updates do not reduce infections within six months, request referral to an allergist or immunologist.
Can Eureka order antibiotics when I need them?
Eureka can suggest an antibiotic when criteria are met, but a licensed physician reviews and signs every prescription before it’s sent to your pharmacy.