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AIBU?

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Original poster

To not understand how I've got another cold

56 replies

Dishwashersaurous · 03/01/2025 07:49

I seem to have had a permanent cold for most of last year. Started in May with horrendous flu and then just seemed to have one a month.

Then another really horrendous one in December and antibiotics for a sinus infection.

Then took some leave for Christmas and finally started to feel better.

This morning woke up and nose streaming again.

I eat healthily. I exercise. I was my hands all the time.

Aibu to just not understand how I keep on getting colds and ask for advice on how to get rid of yet another one

OP posts:
CarefulN0w · 03/01/2025 08:41

I think it's impossible to stay in bed every time you have a cold.

Totally agree, what can be helpful though is adopting good habits afterwards to help you recover. When you are ill you mostly have to do what you can to get through, but once you are through the worst it is worth making the effort to get a good nights sleep, eat well and do things like go out for a walk in the fresh air at lunchtime.

Dotto · 03/01/2025 08:39

I think you would be poorlier if you had leukaemia, but any inability to fend off infections and viruses for several months should be investigated with a lymph node exam and full blood count.

Totaleclipseofthemind · 03/01/2025 08:36

I have not had a cold for years but I do have the flu and covid vaccine every year.

So does my husband and so does my son. Non of us have been ill for years.

(all HCW’s)

yipyipyop · 03/01/2025 08:35

Dishwashersaurous · 03/01/2025 08:34

Thanks all for the advice.

I think what this is helping me realise is that these colds are affecting me more than I realised.

Basically I am doing my normal very busy life but with a streaming nose and cough most of the time

I think it's impossible to stay in bed every time you have a cold.

CarefulN0w · 03/01/2025 08:34

Colds/flu/covid/rsv are all spread by droplet infection.

As well as optimising your immune system with a good diet, adequate hydration, exercise and supplements in the winter months, I would try to be strategic to avoid other people's germs. This might mean, wearing an fp3 mask during your commute, keeping your office window open, and maintaining a two metre distance from cold sufferers (and one metre from everyone else). Oh and avoid all small children completely until spring.

You could consider private jabs for flu and covid, (and rsv if old enough and willing to pay £250).

But for perspective, most adults will have a few colds every year, some of which will be unpleasant. It's annoying when you have a run of them, but it doesn't mean there is anything wrong with you.

Original poster
Dishwashersaurous · 03/01/2025 08:34

Thanks all for the advice.

I think what this is helping me realise is that these colds are affecting me more than I realised.

Basically I am doing my normal very busy life but with a streaming nose and cough most of the time

OP posts:
midgetastic · 03/01/2025 08:30

Also can I just ask if you take time - a few weeks of quiet once symptoms have passed - to recover or do you jump back into a busy life as soon as you possibly can? I know it's cultural to battle on and fight through and get up as quick as possible but I amn't convinced it's healthy

yipyipyop · 03/01/2025 08:27

I have 2 young children and they are always getting colds. I may catch it but not severely. I'm 40, overweight and high blood pressure and don't feel it like you do. If you are getting colds badly one after the other you are probably lacking something in your diet

skinnyoptionsonly · 03/01/2025 08:27

ThatFlyIsMySpiritAnimal · 03/01/2025 08:24

The Boots own Dual Defence nasal spray works for me to stop colds developing/getting worse. Also Echinacea.

Second this or other similar brands/ versions. I thought it was a gimmick but it works if you time it right and use consistently at the right time.

SnapdragonToadflax · 03/01/2025 08:25

Do you have a child in nursery? If so it's just part of that, it will improve in a year or so.

If not, have you had blood tests done? And checked the results yourself on google? My vitamin D was low last year - borderline the lowest category. GP said it was fine but I could supplement if I wanted. I feel so much better with more energy now I've increased it.

ThatFlyIsMySpiritAnimal · 03/01/2025 08:24

The Boots own Dual Defence nasal spray works for me to stop colds developing/getting worse. Also Echinacea.

alertandready · 03/01/2025 08:23

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alertandready · 03/01/2025 08:22

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alertandready · 03/01/2025 08:21

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DefyingGravy · 03/01/2025 08:20

Do you have small children?

Augustus40 · 03/01/2025 08:20

Just take my advice a bove. I get one small cold a year.

Original poster
Dishwashersaurous · 03/01/2025 08:18

And clearly this is the only thing I post about because its the only thing that I have a problem with.

Rest of life is perfect. I just keep on getting colds!

OP posts:
biscuitsandbooks · 03/01/2025 08:18

Has your GP done a blood test to check things like iron, B12?

Original poster
Dishwashersaurous · 03/01/2025 08:17

Thanks all.

I work, office job. Half wfh. Half commute by train

OP posts:
alertandready · 03/01/2025 08:14

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menopausalmare · 03/01/2025 08:13

Ask your GP for a blood test, focusing on a white blood cell count.

alertandready · 03/01/2025 08:13

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Original poster
Dishwashersaurous · 03/01/2025 08:11

Thanks, I actually hadn't realised.

Just feeling really low about being ill again, and turning to mumsnet for some moral support.

I did speak to the gp after the last one, who said that as it was only colds/flu/sinus nothing they could do.

Are there specific tests or things I should ask for?

OP posts:
TinySaltLick · 03/01/2025 08:11

Do you work in a soft play centre

alertandready · 03/01/2025 08:08

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