OpenHealth Q&A

Struggling with Frequent Illness

Greetings, I’m a 28-year-old woman weighing 220 pounds and I don’t smoke. Lately, I’ve been encountering a troubling pattern of recurrent illnesses; in fact, during the last couple of months, I’ve found myself unwell nearly every fortnight, battling colds, Covid, and the flu, among other ailments. Allow me to share a bit of context: I work as a phlebotomist in a hospital setting, specifically focusing on outpatient blood draws. I diligently maintain hygiene, washing my hands between patients and sanitizing my work area with Virarex after each session. Additionally, I consistently wear a mask throughout my shifts, particularly since I handle blood draws for very young infants and patients undergoing cancer treatments, who may have compromised immune systems. Despite adhering to strict health protocols and working in a seemingly sanitary environment, I’ve been repeatedly falling ill. I understand this is a common time for such illnesses to circulate; however, the frequency seems excessive. What truly concerns me is that illnesses that should typically fade within a few days are lingering for over a week in my case. In the past two months, I've taken more sick days than ever before in my career, and I’m genuinely anxious about my job security. My experiences with these illnesses go beyond trivial head colds; I’m often so incapacitated that I can't manage to work through my shifts, and I wouldn’t want to expose others to any contagions. I've always prided myself on being dependable, only missing work when it's absolutely necessary, yet this year alone, I’ve exhausted my allotted sick leave, and it’s only March! While I realize that age may play a role in my susceptibility, the current frequency of my illnesses is worrying, especially considering that I’ve worked in this field for several years without facing such challenges. Do you think I should consult with my primary care physician regarding this unusual rate of illness? What aspects should I discuss during my appointment? I’m completely drained, and it feels like I haven’t had the opportunity to recover over the past couple of months. Anytime I start to regain my health, it’s only a matter of days before I fall ill once again. A few additional details: over the last two years, I have successfully lost 160 pounds and I generally follow a healthy eating regimen, focusing on high-protein and high-fiber options, which has lowered my BMI from 46 to 29—though I still have work to do. On average, I consume about 65 ounces of water daily; this may drop to 40 on particularly hectic days. I aim to take a multivitamin on a daily basis, managing around five times a week. I don’t often go out due to financial constraints, and I prefer curbside grocery pickups to streamline my shopping and avoid unnecessary purchases. I work between 45 to 55 hours a week. I experienced a severe bout of Covid back in late October and just contracted it again in February, which sidelined me for an entire week. Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated, as I am genuinely feeling distressed about my current situation. My supervisor mentioned the possibility of Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) during my last Covid incident, but I feel like that might be excessive. Still, I’m terrified of jeopardizing my job. This cycle of persistent illness is severely impacting my quality of life.

Answers (1)

3/17/2025, 12:20:47 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you are facing a challenging and frustrating period with recurrent illnesses despite your diligent health practices. Given your occupation in a healthcare setting and your personal health journey, it’s understandable that you’re feeling overwhelmed. It’s crucial to focus on your well-being while also navigating your professional responsibilities.

Main Points:

1. Recurrent Illnesses: Your frequent illnesses could stem from various factors, including stress, dietary deficiencies, exposure to pathogens, or potential underlying health conditions.
2. Consultation with a Healthcare Provider: Yes, it would be wise to consult your primary care physician about your health concerns.
3. Actionable Steps: Focus on your health management through hydration, nutrition, stress reduction, and at your appointment, discuss your specific symptoms and work situation.

Explanation:

Your role as a phlebotomist puts you in close contact with a variety of pathogens, which could increase your risk of infections. Chronic stress and fatigue can also weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to recover from illnesses. The lingering nature of your symptoms is certainly concerning and warrants further investigation to ensure that there aren’t underlying issues such as deficiencies or conditions that could be contributing to your susceptibility to illness.

Next Steps:

1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact your primary care doctor as soon as possible. It's important to have a comprehensive evaluation since recurrent illnesses can indicate immune system concerns or other health issues that may need to be addressed.

2. Document Your Symptoms: Before your appointment, keep a diary for at least a week detailing:

   • Each illness, its duration, and severity
   • Any symptoms you experience
   • Your daily water intake and dietary habits
   • Work hours and related stress levels

   This will provide your doctor with valuable insights into your health.

3. Discuss Key Topics: During your visit, consider discussing:

   • The frequency and severity of your illnesses, including your experiences with COVID-19.
   • Any relevant past medical history, including your significant weight loss and dietary changes.
   • Your work environment and the stress factors associated with your job.
   • Testing for possible deficiencies (like Vitamin D or other micronutrients) and immune function.
   • Coping strategies for stress and instructions on self-care during illness.

4. Hydration and Nutrition: Aim to consistently drink more water (at least 64 ounces daily) and ensure your multivitamins meet your current nutritional needs. If unable to eat a varied diet due to your schedule, consider discussing dietary modifications or supplements with your doctor.

5. Stress Management: Look into relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness or light exercise, to help alleviate stress. Even short walks or stretches can boost your energy levels and mood.

6. Assess FMLA Options: Although it feels excessive, explore the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) with your supervisor. This could provide some job security if your health continues to decline.

Taking these steps can help clarify the situation and offer support for your health challenges. It’s important to prioritize your well-being and seek assistance to ensure a healthier and more stable future. Please remember, you’re not alone in this, and there are pathways to improvement ahead.