Feb
I recently started a job as on-site tech support for a regional sales office. That means lots of air travel, which of course means plenty of exposure to airplane/airport germs.
FYI, I'm 31, male, 6'0, 150lbs, non-smoker, non-drinker, good hygeine, no pre-existing conditions or diseases (as far as I know) and overall in good health. . . or so I'd like to think.
I've been sick FOUR TIMES IN THREE MONTHS, all serious enough to knock me on my back — influenza, cold, influenza, bronchitis. I'm still grinding through that last one.
This is a rather generic question, but I'm wondering if there's a cause for concern re: my immune system. I'm a non-smoking runner and clarinetist so my lungs are well above normal; four respiratory infections in rapid succession is kinda weird. The sales guys I support are all chain-smoking, binge-drinking junk-food junkies and they're just fine.
Answer:
Your immune system is just getting used to the change most likely, I would take Vitamin C pills and drink lots of O.J. also research different Herbs for flights 'cause your body might not be used to all of the flying around also if you constantly change time zones your body's trying to keep up. Just take Vitamin's and maybe consult a doctor I'm not saying go to an appointment, just call and ask to talk to one and explain your job and what has been happening. The guys you support most-likely are used to it so don't feel weak or bad.
Answer:
Have you been to the doctor (to confirm what you have)?
If not, then you should go. We can't tell you what you have. All I know is that everyone on my campus has the flu right now and my friend has been sick for a couple of weeks. If you rarely get sick then it hits you harder than a person that is sick all the time.
The best explanation for getting the flu twice is just catching a different strain of the virus the second time around.
Considering that you're traveling and you're exposed to a lot of people (people=germs), then I'd say it sounds like it's nothing too serious. But definitely see a doctor if you have doubts.
Oh, btw - do not overload on hand sanitizer or anything that can possibly make a virus go away (otc meds). Too much cleanliness lowers your immunity (just use regular soap and water), and creates new bacteria strains.
Answer:
Make Airborne or Zycam your best friend. Your immune system is probably freaking out from being in a "bubble" for so long. I'm sure it'll slow down, but make sure you're staying hydrated and taking vitamins. Any little bit can help
Answer:
Since your illnesses seem to coincide with your new job and the travel, pretty easy to assume there must be a connection.
Stress has to be considered. Known to depress immunity. New job often equals increased stress, often unrecognized. Couple that with the exposure on the planes and you could have a recipe for illnesses such as you describe
The only other thing that rang a bell was your weight. Have to wonder if maybe you're not paying enough attention to nutrition/calorie intake. Few more pounds might help your resistance. Are you taking a multi vitamin? How about regular aerobic exercise? That might do more for your immune system than anything. Also great stress reliever.
Help something here helps.
Answer:
Did you take antibiotics with the first bout? It could be that the strain of bacteria was not completely killed off and it regrouped or mutated into a worse threat, so on, and so on. And of course, when the immune system is working so hard on one issue, the other "bad guys" take advantage of the situation. Make sure your not reinfecting yourself with your clarinet, phone, toothbrush, etc. Do extreme hand washing. Drink tons of good water. Take lots of vit. C. Don't eat or drink a lot of sugar (the bad guys thrive on it). Eat fresh food. Drink orange juice. Get good rest. Your body has taken quite a hit and needs a chance to regroup.
Also, if you did take antibiotics, you could have a huge buildup of yeast in your body which causes havoc on the immune system. You can get acidophilus at a health food store (be sure to keep it refrigerated). It comes in different forms from liquid to chewable wafers. It helps promote intestinal health by reestablishing the intestinal micro-flora that gets wiped out by antibiotics which then allows the yeast to take over. Getting this balanced out is crucial to regaining your health. Good luck and take it easy.
Answer:
Your immune system may be overwhelmed by flying in planes with recirculated air.
All your illnesses especially the bronchitis has weakened your immune system. I agree with the other poster who suggested Airborne for flying & Zicam at the 1st signs of the flu.
You're also probably not used to being around so many people.
Try a good multivitamin/mineral. Take Beta-carotene 10,000IUs;Vit C 3000mg; Vit D3 600-800mg; Vit E 400IUs 2X/day; Selenium 200mcg; Zinc 50 mg. Drink plenty of water.
If you start to get sick increase Vit C 2000mg every 2 hrs; Suck on Zinc lozenges; suck on Halls or Vicks cough drops with eucalyptus; drink tea with lemon & honey; astragalus; echineacea & goldenseal root (no more than 5 days in a row).
They all boost your immunity.
The flu has been very bad this year; maybe it was just your year..
I wouldn't worry about your immune system; but if you are see your MD & tell him you want your immune factors tested.
Good luck