Overview

Taking days off work to recover from an illness a few days a year is normal, but you aren’t just feeling under the weather if you get Sick more frequently. Several factors could be affecting your immune system, causing you to fall ill. For example, your diet, sleep, stress and genetics could be why you keep getting sick. 

So it is yet another day when you called in sick at work and must stay home to recover? Are you racking your brain on what happened? Or was it a few weeks ago that you had the same symptoms or were ill? If you are wondering why I get sick so often, the article discusses some common causes in detail.

Why do I keep getting sick?

The seasonal cold or flu is what everyone experiences now and then, but if you notice falling ill often and can’t get out of bed, you actually need to be concerned about why do I keep getting sick. Here are some reasons which might explain why you are getting sick a lot.

1. Your immune system is not working properly.

You may get sick frequently when the immune system is not functioning optimally. Unfortunately, this puts you at risk for more infections as your body cannot ward off germs.

Furthermore, it can take longer to recover if you develop an infection. You may also be more prone to acquire another illness simultaneously, worsening your condition. Having an immune system disorder means that you get sick more often.

Abnormalities since birth, a disease that weakens the immune system, such as HIV, and an overactive immune system, which may trigger allergic reactions or an autoimmune condition all come under immune disorders. If you are getting sick more often and have to keep asking yourself why do I keep getting sick every month is one of the signs that you need to get yourself checked by a healthcare professional.

Besides having an immune system disorder, being exhausted or having burnout can also be the answer to ‘Why am I always sick?’ particularly because your body is constantly stressed.

Your immune system can’t function at its best if you are a victim of chronic stress, lack of sleep, and poor diet. Treating any disease affecting the immune system or making lifestyle changes is essential to make ensure a healthy life.

2. An unhealthy diet is affecting your immune system.

Eating a well-balanced diet and consuming enough nutrients helps support all cells in your body, including immune cells ensuring they function correctly. In contrast, a diet that lacks essential nutrients required to maintain a healthy immune system can weaken your immune response. Excess sugars can also have a negative effect on your immune system. In order to support your body, it’s best to follow proper dietary guidelines rather than focusing on taking particular food supplements or focusing on a specific food group.

3. You are sleep-deprived.

Going day after day without sufficient sleep each night or having a schedule that does not allow you to get enough sleep is most likely that you are not feeling well. This is primarily because your immune system releases cytokines while you are resting, which are protein messengers that fight inflammation and disease. Your body requires these proteins when you’re sick but can’t definitely produce enough of the protective proteins if you’re sleep-Going day after day without sufficient sleep each night or having a schedule that does not allow you to get enough sleep is most likely that you are not feeling well. This is primarily because your immune system releases cytokines while you are resting, which are protein messengers that fight inflammation and disease. Your body requires these proteins when you’re sick but can’t definitely produce enough of the protective proteins if you’re sleep-deprived. Resultantly, your body’s natural ability to fight infections and viruses is compromised. Furthermore, long-term sleep deprivation increases your risk of health conditions such as heart disease, obesity and diabetes. Most adults require between 7 and 8 hours of sleep each day, and children need more than that.

4. You have a poor lifestyle.

Exercise fuels the body and mind. It helps you boost your immune system. Although, some research concludes that strenuous workouts can make you more vulnerable to falling ill. So, pushing yourself beyond your limits in the gym may not be a good idea.

On the other hand, being overweight affects your immune function negatively, making you more prone to developing infections. Therefore, exercising in moderation to maintain an ideal weight is necessary.

Smoking and drinking alcohol weaken the immune system and increase your chances of falling ill. Studies have revealed serious health hazards of vaping and e-cigarettes. The toxins released can cause heart disease, lung disease and lung cancer. If you drink excess alcohol regularly, you may keep getting colds or other illnesses as compared to people who don’t drink. Alcohol abuse suppresses your immune system, making you more vulnerable to infections.

5. You’re dehydrated

At the end of the day, your health is closely related to how perfectly your immune system is working. Our bloodstream is composed mainly of water, and our immune system relies on nutrients in our bloodstream. If you’re not drinking enough fluids, transporting nutrients to the different organ systems might be affected. Not consuming enough water can also lead to other symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and dry skin.

6. You have dirty hands

Your hands literally touch every random object that you come into contact with daily. Whether that involves using public transport or shaking hands with your colleagues at work, you are exposed to germs throughout the day. You can spread illnesses when you don’t wash your hands and then touch your face, lips, or food and which is primarily the answer to why I keep catching colds.

Washing your hands with water and antibacterial soap or using alcohol-based hand sanitisers can help prevent such illnesses.

Following are some tips on how to stop getting sick all the time:

• Wash your hands very thoroughly before and after food preparation
• Make sure you wash your hands before eating
• Thoroughly wash your hands before and after caring for a person who is sick
• Wash your hands after you have used the bathroom or have changed diapers
• Ensure that your hands are clean after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
• If you touch pets or are handling pet waste or garbage, wash your hands afterwards.

7. You’re experiencing chronic stress.

Wellness is a term used to refer to a balance of the mind, body and spirit. It has been used in the context of alternative medicine since Halbert L. Dunn, M.D. coined it. It is absolutely terrifying that chronic stress and inadequate sleep are among the top reasons why people are falling sick in this modern era.

Due to stress, there is a surge of the hormone cortisol in our bodies. Cortisol has proven to interfere with the ability of specific white blood cells to multiply and get signals from the body. Additionally, cortisol affects the production of an antibody called secretory IgA, which commonly lines the respiratory tract and digestive system and is our first line of defence against invading pathogens.

Moreover, an individual who is stressed is more likely to pick up habits such as alcohol abuse, smoking, and binge eating. All of these factors can increase your chances of getting sick. Therefore, learning how to manage stress or seeking help at the right time is of utmost importance so you can steer clear of this vicious cycle.

8. You have kids

Kids, although innocent and adorable as they may be, are actually germ collectors. If your child is at daycare or school, it is very likely that these young explorers, who are basically touching every surface, pick up germs from the surfaces they come in contact with. Spending time with other kids, picking their noses, coughing, sneezing, all this is probably why you keep getting sick over and over. Fortunately, with the development of their immune systems and personal hygiene training, this should improve with time, and you will not have to worry about why your child gets sick every two weeks.

9. You are a victim of untreated allergies.

Allergies can weaken your immune system over time. If you suffer from allergies and are not taking the required treatment, you may be prone to other viral or bacterial infections. Moreover, allergies may evolve into a different illness, such as an infection of the sinus, ear, or upper respiratory infection. If you have asthma, the results can be terrible. You can consult a doctor to get proper treatment for various allergies, including dust, food, insect, pet, pollen, mould etc.

10. Anxiety disorders

A physical illness or condition may not be the straightforward answer to your concern regarding why I am sick every other week. Mental health disorders such as anxiety affect many people worldwide, and a constant state of excessive worry or panic can lead to physical symptoms. Anxiety disorders may result in the following symptoms:

• fatigue
• difficulty concentrating
• sweating
• shortness of breath
• palpitations
• trembling

Suffering for an extended period due to an anxiety disorder can have physical manifestations. In addition, people with anxiety disorders may have a higher risk of heart disease and or early death.

A combination of many different treatments is available to treat anxiety disorders. Medications such as antidepressants, beta-blockers, talking therapies, CBT, and mindfulness meditation can help manage the condition.

Why does my child get sick every two weeks?

Kids have the most exposure to germs as they spend their entire day playing on dirty playgrounds and picking up objects from the ground. They are exposed to every means by Kids have the most exposure to germs as they spend their entire day playing on dirty playgrounds and picking up objects from the ground. They are exposed to every means by which germs spread through contact. So, your child getting child frequently may actually not be a real surprise. However, teaching your child good hygiene habits, such as frequent hand washing, can halt the spread of viruses and germs around your household. Wiping down common surfaces and objects can help prevent your child from getting sick.

Things to do when sick

By now, you may have narrowed down the causes of what makes you feel sick, and now you must be looking for answers on how to feel better when sick or a guideline on what to do when you feel sick. The following section covers some important facts revolving around what to do when you’re not feeling well.

1. Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet

Hippocrates, a famous Greek physician, said, “Let food be thy medicine and let thy medicine be food.” This statement is of immense importance as it highlights the importance of food being a vital source that fuels the body and mind and prevents disease. Therefore, to avoid falling sick over and over, you should be paying attention to what you are eating and putting inside your body. Avoid processed food, junk food and sugar and try to eat whole grains, fruits, meat and vegetables.

2. Consider taking supplements

Some vitamins and minerals affect your immune system directly. For example, a person with a vitamin C deficiency can have weakened immunity.

Some other vitamins and minerals that can affect immune function include vitamins A, D, E, iron, folic acid and zinc.

Although certain nutrients are essential for supporting the immune system, they will help prevent any disease. Dietary sources are best to overcome the deficiencies, but in some cases, supplements may help with immunity.

 3. Learn to manage stress.

Constant stress can weaken the immune system and makes the person more likely to get sick. The following measures can help reduce and manage stress:

• yoga
• meditation
• massage
• staying in touch with friends or family
• joining support groups
• therapy

4. Getting proper sleep

Sleep deprivation or disturbances can negatively affect your body’s immune system. Lack of sleep may disrupt the normal production of white blood cells, weakening your body’s first line of defence.

Adults should be getting at least seven hours of sleep for sufficient body and mind rest. However, how to rest when sick is a difficult question, as getting enough sleep when sick can be impossible.

How to make your child feel better when sick?

• Ensure that the room is well-ventilated.
• Give your child enough water, and don’t force-feed them. Instead, opt for small bits of healthy food.
• Keep your child company and let them get enough rest in a comfortable place.

What’s the best thing to eat when sick?

Although very non-appetizing, Plain and bland foods are usually the best option among food items to consume while sick. Cereals, oatmeal, bread, and crackers are commonly recommended. You may add protein or veggies depending on your condition and appetite. 

Some healthy options include:

• Chicken soup
• Broth
• Garlic
• Oatmeal
• Yoghurt
• Fruits

These food items may expedite recovery by providing your body with the energy required, and it is probably the easiest thing to do to feel better when sick.

Why do I always get sick?

Still don’t have an answer to why you may have fallen ill yet again? 

Vitamin D deficiency may be a cause. A lack of this sunshine vitamin can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, hair loss, depression, and body aches. You should boost your intake of vitamin D. Vitamin D supplements have proven to make a person less likely to get a respiratory tract infection. You can increase your vitamin D intake with foods including fatty fish, egg yolks, and mushrooms. 

How to not get sick?

We might not be lucky enough to stumble upon a panacea and figure out how to stop being sick once and for all, but measures can be taken to avoid illnesses. The following recommendations may help you how to not get sick:

1. Get vaccinated

Getting vaccinated can help you protect against seasonal flu infections. The influenza virus is the culprit that causes countless people to fall ill. Flu vaccines contain influenza antigens, which cause the immune system to produce antibodies. These antibodies protect against the flu viruses and prevent people from getting sick. There are four types of influenza viruses, but mutations may reduce the effectiveness of seasonal flu vaccines. Therefore, these flu vaccines do not guarantee total immunity but aid in reducing the severity of symptoms.

2. Disinfecting surfaces

Viruses can survive on many different types of surfaces, such as metal, plastic, fabrics and glass. How long a virus remains infectious on a specific surface depends on various factors, namely temperature and humidity. You can lower their risk of infection by using products that contain alcohol to disinfect the surfaces. 

3. Keeping the air clean

Common colds are a type of respiratory infection. The viruses that cause flu travel through the air in tiny droplets of mucus. Those who have a cold can quickly spread the virus whenever they cough or sneeze. In order to minimize the risk, it is best to stay at home when you are ill or wear a mask or cover your face when sneezing or coughing. 

4. Practicing good hygiene

Washing hands regularly is an effective habit that helps protect against viral infections. Viruses gain access to the respiratory tract through a person’s eyes, nose, or mouth. Therefore, you can infect yourself by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your face. Washing the hands regularly with clean water and soap or using alcohol-based hand sanitiser protects against viral infections. 

5. Taking zinc supplements

Zinc is a vital micronutrient found naturally in meat, fish and nuts. Zinc deficiency can cause a weakened immune response and inflammatory skin conditions. People with a weakened immune response are more prone to infection. Consuming zinc supplements comes under some things to do when sick. 

6. Eating more fibre

Sometimes what to do when you’re sick at home does not have a single straightforward answer, but several things generally impact your overall health and, if they are part of your everyday routine, can have health benefits. One such thing is dietary fibre which has many health benefits. It helps regulate digestion, prevent constipation, and lower the risk of other health conditions. In addition, some studies have concluded that dietary fibre may also boost the immune system.

7. Avoiding cigarette smoke

Smoking is a well-known risk factor for several diseases. It has been associated with cancer, asthma, and respiratory infections. Exposure to secondhand smoke can also put people at risk of developing these conditions. In addition, people who smoke regularly are more likely to experience severe symptoms in case they get a cold. Studies have established a close association between cigarette smoke and the body’s inability to fight infections. Therefore, quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke help improve overall health and prevents illness.

8. Exercising Regularly.

Making physical activity a part of your routine can improve your general health and well-being, reducing the risk of the following:

• heart disease
• anxiety
• high blood pressure
• type 2 diabetes

Studies indicate that the right amount of physical activity can also boost a person’s immune function and decrease their risk of respiratory infections.

This article has comprehensively covered some things to do when you are sick that are worth a try.

When to Consult a Doctor

Do you still have questions about how to stop being sick in a day? To be honest, no fast-track cure or a harry potter spell makes your sickness vanish, but there are ways to help prevent an illness, reduce the severity of your symptoms, or expedite your recovery. So, if you are actually sick of being sick and need more support and would like to speak with a doctor, connect with our online doctor at Your Doctors Online and let our magical physicians treat your illness. 

FAQs about why do I keep getting sick answered by Your Doctor Online

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