Question

[EllaSW]

Does anyone have experience of a cold and flu symptoms regularly recurring? What does it mean? By regular I mean every few weeks for months on end.

Not hayfever?

I don't think so...does hay fever masquerade as a heavy cold?

It can feel that way.

Have you seen your doctor for a check up?

I didn't know that. It's weird because there is a recurring cough and blocked sinuses too, which I don't think is hay fever? Doctors have been useless so far

It could be an allergy as I get v similar symptoms and have recurring allergies. Could it be something in your home like dust?

I agree that it could be allergies. Hayfever presents very similarly to a cold for me: scratchy throat, snot, sinuses irritated. You could try taking a daily antihistamine like cetirizine to see if that helps. Ask your pharmacist for a recommendation

Sounds like an allergy. Rhinitis feels a bit like this. Try a daily antihistamine

Cough and sinus issues are related to allergies I would trial an anti histamine for a while and see how you get on.

It could be related to histamine intolerance, where some people don't have the ability to break down histamine correctly.

You react to certain foods and alcohol. It can cause cold/flu symptoms and a massive range of other issues. Google might help here.

@FreezingJane that's really interesting. Would that explain flu symptoms that wax and wane? Which type of doctor might be able to help?

I'm afraid I can't help much I'm afraid. Not very well recognised and not spoken about much.

Have a look at this website, which might help. I know it can be linked to food intolerances, but that's a whole heap of unknowns too (had loads of tests, but other than the 'official' coeliac test on the NHS, everything else is discounted. Really frustrating.

This website shows some symptoms and gives a bit more information anyway. Hope it helps. www.histamineintolerance.org.uk/about/symptoms/

While you're reading up on the histamine/allergies stuff, also take a look at PEM "post exertional malaise". It's one of the hallmarks of ME/chronic fatigue and also long covid. If I overdo it then a day or two later I have chills/rigor/raised temp and body aches, just like the flu. All being well it only lasts a day or 2 but I have had times when it's been weeks. Took a very long time to realise that's what it was.

Thanks all. @MassiveOvaryaction if you don't mind me asking do you also get heavy cold symptoms with that?