Flu, colds, viruses, poor imune system

tonyg_2

Hi

I seem to have repeated viruses/flu/colds and general exhaustion much of the time. It can take weeks or months each time to recover. I do work with kids and know that this probably doesn't help but I so love my job but really do not know if I can go on like this! I have visited my doctor who really can offer no advice other than getting the flu jab.

I am trying to find out if anyone knows of any online chat forums where people can share their exeriences and what works for them. There must be so many people with similar problems?

Thanks for any suggestion!

Tx

Mrs_P_Pincher

Hi T

The question is why? And that is the question your GP is not answering. A flu jab will stop you getting flu (if you're lucky), but it won't stop you getting every other nasty that floating around. I would say you need to look at strengthening your immune system. I take 1,000mg timed release Vitamin C every day and (touch wood) haven't had a cold or flu in two years. There's lots of stuff on line.

Catching everything that's going and being exhausted all the time could be signs that you have thyroid or iron issues. Google for more info. You could consider asking your GP to test your thyroid and also the things that can stop your thyroid working properly, including B12, Vitamin D, ferritin and folate. Then at least you'd know.

Does this count as medical advice? I'm not sure?

Mrs P P

Mrs P P

INT1

Could take multi vits like centrum and cod liver oil-also disolveable Vit C as per prev poster.

Do you go to bed at reasonable times? Eat fruit, Drink lots of water, don't have caffeine after 3pm etc etc

I have up months and I have down months.

BlondeHeadOn

Many of my friends swear by echinacea as an immune system boost, might b worth trying? I have used it during the first signs of getting a cold, and I must say that when I rememeber to take it I seem to recover much more quickly and the cold doesn't really take hold. It's easily available from chemists and health food stores.

Failing that, when did you last take a proper holiday?

Do you feel down at all? Depression can mute the immune system. (sorry if personal question, but I don't know your background).

Insomnia?

Stress?

Lots of things can affect your immune system, maybe it's worth considering your lifestyle and daily factors that might also be having an effect?

Bronnie

Do you eat well? Enough of the right sorts of foods?

guineapig

When I worked with kids I was the same! you will eventually "harden" up and find that you don't get every bug going.

Be VERY fussy about hand washing and if you can instill in to the kids the need to have clean hands, well that will help too.

A relative of mine is a doctor and is in the front line for every germ going, they use "First Defence" ( you squirt it up your nose) it stings a bit and bungs you up for half an hour but it is VERY good stuff and we always have it on hand in our house £5.99 in Boots
HTH?

devildog

I would go back and ask for full blood tests as there could be any number of things going on and the bood tests will give a good indication.
My Gp dismissed my son's symptoms (not same as yours I hasten to add) for a good two years plus, after numerous visits he did order the tests and shortly after referred to consultant for further tests resulting in a diagnosis and the proper treatment instead of being fobbed off. Son now doing OK (being closely monitored by consultant) and have changed GPs.
Gps tend to know a little about everything but not a lot about anything! If you feel what is going on with you is not right push for further tests/diagnosis.