Why do People get Ill Multiple Times in a Row? We asked Hannah London’s Private GP
For many people, they find themselves caught in a cycle of persistent illness. The sniffly nose, chesty coughs, and the frustration of never quite shaking off that lingering sore throat can leave us wondering: Why am I getting ill multiple times in a row? To provide insight, we spoke to our medical director and private GP at Hannah London, Dr Kaywaan Khan.
Why do people tend to get ill multiple times in a row?
Getting ill multiple times in a row can be a frustrating experience, which could be due to several factors. The common cold and flu are caused by different viruses, and there are many strains of each. Some viruses, like influenza, mutate frequently resulting in new strains that your immune system may not be able to respond to yet. This could lead to catching the flu several times, especially if you have not received a flu vaccine yet. Some studies also suggest that influenza viruses survive and transmit better in colder, drier air, as the virus particles stay airborne for longer in cooler temperatures.
When we get ill, our immune system becomes compromised. While it’s understandable to be eager for a fast recovery, individual time required for a complete recovery can vary. Signs of a lingering illness can include symptoms such as fatigue, a sore throat, or a cough. These symptoms could be mistaken for a new illness, when in actuality, you need to give your body more time to recover. If you do not give yourself adequate time to recover from the first illness, you could be susceptible to catching a secondary bacterial infection on top of the initial viral infection, because your immune system is already weakened. If you have existing medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, diabetes, or asthma, this can increase the likelihood of repeated infection.
If you work in a close-contact environment, such as day-care or a healthcare setting, you’re more likely to be exposed to germs. That’s why practicing good hygiene is essential, ensuring to wash your hands with warm, soapy water frequently to avoid the risk of infection. Lifestyle choices such as smoking and binge-drinking, can all impair the immune response and cause a higher risk of repeat infections. These habits can also disrupt the beneficial microbes in your gut, which play an important role in immune function.
If you are chronically stressed, this can disrupt your sleep and therefore the body’s ability to recover properly and regenerate. Chronic stress triggers the release of cortisol (the primary stress hormone) which can compromise the immune systems effectiveness in defending against pathogens.
It’s essential to consult with a GP if you feel like you’re constantly getting sick, especially if you have additional symptoms such as weight loss, a high fever or severe fatigue. A private consultation at Hannah London can offer you treatment and preventative measures to help you get better. If you need access to advanced technology, personalised care, or a longer consultation, our GP services can provide you with a shorter wait time and the support you need.
Want to find out more on this topic? Read our viral press features in Get Surrey, Wales Online, Gloucestershire Live, Leicester Mercury and MSN.
