Confused About My Immune Response?
## Personal Health Scenario I’m a 45-year-old woman who has been on estradiol for hormone replacement therapy following a total hysterectomy and oophorectomy a decade ago, primarily due to severe endometriosis. Recently, I received a diagnosis of mild proctitis. I neither smoke nor drink alcohol. For as long as I can remember, particularly since my twenties, I’ve noticed an unusual response whenever colds and flu circulate. Instead of experiencing typical symptoms, I tend to feel as though I am on the verge of becoming ill. I quickly develop a high fever, but curiously, that’s where it ends. Occasionally, these fevers persist for several days, yet I don't develop the accompanying symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, or cough. In fact, it’s been so long since I experienced a genuine cold or flu that I cannot recall the last time. The fever is often accompanied by severe nausea, but nothing more than that. Despite the absence of traditional symptoms, the experience is debilitating, often forcing me to take time off work. When I return, it might seem to my colleagues that I was exaggerating my illness due to the lack of visible symptoms like sneezing or coughing. It’s frustrating not understanding why my immune system behaves this way. I do suffer from an autoimmune condition known as ulcerative colitis, which traditionally one might expect to complicate things. However, rather than manifesting the full array of cold or flu symptoms, I wonder if I truly catch any form of these illnesses, or is my body merely overreacting to the first signs of a common cold or flu? What exactly is happening in my system?
Answers (1)
2/12/2026, 4:00:47 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your health experiences. It sounds like you’ve been managing a lot with your autoimmune condition and your unique immune responses to illnesses, which can understandably be frustrating and confusing.
Key Points:
- Your immune response (high fever and nausea without typical cold or flu symptoms) may be linked to your autoimmune condition.
- It’s possible that your body is reacting strongly to certain triggers that don’t necessarily result in the classic symptoms of infections.
- Monitoring your symptoms and understanding your body's cues is crucial.
Explanation:
Your experience of fever and nausea without the usual cold or flu symptoms could be related to your autoimmune condition, ulcerative colitis. The immune system in autoimmune patients can sometimes react aggressively, even to minor infections or triggers, leading to unusual responses like the ones you described.
With your history of hormone replacement therapy, it is also possible that hormonal changes can influence your immune system’s response. Additionally, some people with autoimmune conditions can experience different symptoms during infections.
Next Steps:
- Symptom Monitoring: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting when you experience fever and nausea, how long they last, and any associated triggers. This information can help you understand patterns in your immune response.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Focus on staying hydrated, especially during fever episodes, and maintain a balanced diet to support your immune system.
- Stress Management: Since stress can impact your immune response, consider incorporating stress reduction techniques such as mindfulness or gentle exercise.
- Regular Check-Ins: Since you have an autoimmune condition, consider staying in touch with your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and any changes. They may offer insights or adjustments to your treatment plan based on your experiences.
If you notice any significant changes, such as prolonged fever or new symptoms, please take those seriously and consult with a healthcare provider. You're not exaggerating; your experiences are valid, and understanding them can empower you to manage your health more effectively.
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