Why Do I Keep Getting Sick More Often Than Everyone Else?

Some people seem to catch every cold, cough, or stomach bug going around. If you feel like you are getting sick more often than everyone else, there may be a reason.

Frequent illness can be linked to your environment, sleep, stress, nutrition, or an underlying health issue.

Am I Actually Getting Sick More Often?

Sometimes it only feels that way.

If you work with the public, attend school, use public transit, or live with children, you may simply be exposed to more viruses than other people.

But if you are getting sick very often, taking a long time to recover, or developing repeated infections, it may be worth looking closer.

Can Poor Sleep Make Me Sick More Often?

Yes. Sleep plays an important role in immune function.

If you regularly sleep too little or have poor-quality sleep, your body may have a harder time responding to infections.

Can Stress Affect My Immune System?

Long-term stress can affect how well your immune system works.

Stress can also interfere with sleep, appetite, and other habits that help your body stay healthy.

Could My Diet Be Part of the Problem?

Possibly.

Low levels of certain nutrients, including iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, or others, can affect your overall health and energy.

A very limited diet or ongoing digestive problems may also make it harder for your body to get the nutrients it needs.

Could There Be an Underlying Medical Cause?

Frequent infections do not always mean something serious, but certain health conditions can make infections more common.

Possible factors include:

• Diabetes
• Anemia
• Certain immune system conditions
• Chronic respiratory problems
• Some medications
• Nutritional deficiencies

A healthcare provider can help decide whether testing is needed based on your symptoms and medical history.

Consider getting checked if you are having repeated infections, unusually severe infections, unexplained weight loss, ongoing fatigue, persistent fever, or symptoms that keep returning.

If it feels like you are constantly recovering from one illness only to catch another, it may be worth finding out whether there is an underlying reason.

SanoMed Medical Clinic in downtown Toronto can review your symptoms, health history, and possible risk factors, and recommend testing or treatment when appropriate. Book an appointment or visit the walk-in clinic if frequent illness has become a pattern.