To think I'm doomed to be unwell every winter?

[Fluffyogabunny]

Hi everyone. I'm sick with a virus (a really heavy cold and cough) for the last month and feeling fed up. For the last three winters I've had pneumonia, flu and one virus after another. I seem to improve in March. I exercise lots when I'm well, my bloods are fine...I could get a bit more sleep but I have three young DCs.
I'm wondering if there's anything I can do to try to avoid getting these bugs as I've no support network and my DH works away most of the week. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Do you take vitamin d? I was like you filter years, started taking it over winter 3 years ago and had nothing like the sane issues since. Worth a try if you aren't already taking it.

Thanks. I will try that as I have only taken during pregnancy as that's when my levels were low. Is there a dose or brand you'd recommend?

I think sambucol is great.

I sympathise. For the last couple of years I've had two or three chest infections each winter, after being previously not prone to these at all. I was starting to think that winter was the problem, then I got pneumonia this summer, so I now think it's me that's the problem.

I would second the Vit D. The NHS recommend 400 IU daily.

I take 4000 IU daily between Oct-Mar. It makes a big difference. This is the upper limit for a daily dose.

I agree re vitamin d - I buy drops from Amazon.

But also think about supplementing your iron intake.

I used to get ill and knackered every winter then a (private) doc did a really detailed blood test and it showed borderline anaemia. He recommended a course of iron tablets from Boots for a month and it changed my life.

Thanks for the good advice! Off to Boots tomorrow 😀

Echinacea. Boosts your immune system

Sympathies op. I’ve been constantly ill all bloody year.

I’m trying vitamin D supplements, really hoping this winter will be kinder. I need to get a flu jab this week, I think this years strain is meant to be pretty vicious.

I've had a few bouts of pneumonia over the years and, like you, was dreading every winter. I've just been given the pneumonia jab, so fingers crossed I'll be free from it this time around. It's available on the NHS and you can also pay for it at places like boots.

Hope you're feeling better soon

I heard about monolaurin on here. It's not really well researched but the small research done seems to indicate it reduces the chance of getting/developing viruses like colds etc.
Anyway as a person with shit immunity and regular cold/bug/virus type illnesses and predictable absence/missing xmas or new year etc. I tried it and really thought it works! It's just coconut milk fat or somesuch. Am going to take it daily through winter.

Flu vaccination. Available now at Boots, pharmacies, some larger supermarkets and GP surgeries for a small charge, unless you qualify for a free one. Absolutely worth it!

Definatly get the fiu jab this year,we are forcast some nasty flu from australia this year.The injection takes 3-4 weeks to be fully effective.You having it will protect your kids too and I think its recommended for under 3s atm.See your GP about the pneumonia jab and lots of handwashing.
I got cold after cold when dd first went to school and she brought bugs home with her.
Hope you have a better year.

I’ve had pnemonia and the flu within months of each other.

Thanks everyone