Can anxiety give you cold like symptoms?

[Cloud44]

Does anyone else experience this? I often get a cold or feel like I’m getting a cold before I have something big on either work wise or socialising out of work, and I’m starting to think it could be linked to feeling nervous about whatever the occasion is? And I hate feeling off colour in front of people which makes me feel more worried then I feel worse… I know this sounds mad. Is anyone else the same?!

Yes, absolutely. Stress and being overwhelmed by work gave me flu-like aches and pains. None of the other symptoms of flu though, and the aches and pains went if I took time off. It took a long time for me to make the link.
I'm not good at recognising my emotions (am neurodivergent), so maybe this was me 'somatising' them?

I've found that the sensation of water on my skin helps, and nice smells - a warm, scented shower or pouring water from a jug over myself. Sensory, stress reducing stuff, basically. Also reminding myself that I'm not getting ill, it's just my body reminding me that I'm stressed.
What things do you find relaxing?

I like reading, having baths, watching Netflix, walking , doing puzzles to relax. I’ve tried most of these things today though and I’m still not feeling great! I think if I was sure it was just my body’s way of reminding me I was stressing I’d relax a little but it feels so realistic of a cold / bug how do you know?! I feel so silly even feeling like this!

Woken up feeling just as anxious / coldy ahead of todays events . So frustrated, anything else I can do to try and feel better and enjoy the time?

I just wanted to give an update. I went to the event today and had a lovely time I’m really glad I went. Thank you to everyone who gave advice yesterday. I never used to get these cold like symptoms or anxiety and it’s something I want to improve so I can look forward to things more. @Agnes12 i hope you have a great flight tomorrow.