Cold keeps coming back every 2 weeks

[hkazmi]

I was not able to get a flu shot this year. I used to rarely get sick in the past few years (5+ years or so).

Anyhow, I keep getting a cold (runyn nose with greenish mucus, no fewer or aches) every two weeks. The first time in Oct, then in Nov I did not go to a doctor and just did home remedies. When I got sick again in Dec I went to the docs and got penicillin, 500g 3 times a day for 10 days. I completed the course. But here I am two weeks later and have a stuffed nose again.

I'm planning to go to the doc again and have a appointment later in week, however was curious should I be looking for something beyond a cold. I also have allergies, but only in spring due to pollen, could these be allergies, or maybe allergies that end up giving me a nasal infection.

[jonoonoj]

I had a cold when I went to San Francisco this July and now im getting runny nose, sneezing, eye infection and ear infection every 2 week. I went to many doctor and they told me its a seasonal flu or a allergy. I tried all the medicine but it didnt help, it only keeps the flu down but it doesnt heal me.

Help plz

[rebel182]

WOW i thought i was the only one LOL
My syptoms start with slight sore throat  than runny nose followed by clogged up chest and coughing up flem, sometimes i will also get a sore ear.

I go to doctor have antibiotics, it comes back, take more antibiotics it all goes away,  was all good for 2 months exactly now it is back again

[DaniAndrea]

Same exact issues as you are reporting and the person before you.  It is SO frustrating.  I can feel myself getting sick again today b/c I am suddenly so fatigued.  It really interferes with my life and being able to do fun things.  I had to spend Thanksgiving alone last year b/c I got sick then too.  Mine's been going on a year now though I had about a six mo. reprieve but now it's back.  Baffling.  Loads of money on doctors and I drive myself crazy trying to eat nothing but immune system boosting foods.  I've also been a vegetarian for 22 years and I'm trim, active when not sick, and have never smoked.  I used to be so healthy.  I've also been eating b12 and zinc rich foods since vegetarians can lack those, but nothing is working.  The only time I seem to be healthy is when I'm on antibiotics for one of my sinus infections.  Also getting recurrent middle ear infections and fevers, then followed by congestion and other cold symptoms.   I had weeks of sick time but have now burned through it all and will have to start using vacation time.  

[JayeJaye]

That's very interesting - you sound *exactly* in my situation, even the 'athletic' part (I'm a personal trainer and fitness specialist, and typically in very good shape).

I've been sick for 2 years, every 3 weeks for a period of a week or so. I've seen multiple GP's and am currently seeing a really good physician, though he hasn't really been able to figure anything out so far. At first we thought it might be my allergies (dust mite allergies), I've invested in hypoallergenic sheets which helped my allergies a *lot*, but I still get sick all the time.

My symptoms are:
- fatigue (during ill periods)
- constant mild fever
- bowel upsets

I really don't know what to do anymore, I've been sick for years and everybody always asked me why I'm sick - it's almost like they think I'm making it up or I enjoy the attention or something. I'm just so 'sick' of this. I just want to be healthy again.

I'm trying really hard not to self-diagnose, but it's very hard when the doctors are unable to help.

[Mynamehasbeentaken]

I just saw this thread and wonder if anyone has figured out what is wrong?  Because Im experiencing something similar. I keep getting flue every 2-3 weeks, it normally lasts between 7 to 14 days. I will recover then get it again. I have been to 3 doctors who have not been able to help, I asked the pathologist if they could run tests and they said they would not know what to look for. I went to a homeopath and nothing has worked. The obvious reason would be a low immune system but I eat really healthily, I lead an active lifestyle, I don't smoke, I avoid stress, I get enough sleep...I have been taking immune boosters, multi vitamins, zinc...none of it works. I can't take it anymore. It has been going on for almost 2 years now, I am using all my money on doctors bills, I am losing out on work, it is interfering with my life. I am an athlete and regularly compete but this is interfering with training as well.  Every doctor I go to is baffled. The last one suggested yuppie flu, but the odds of that is so unlikely. Does anyone know what this could be? Please. Please. Please!  

[the_peg]

I too have the same problems.  It started off twice a year (2008) then six times (2009) now 8 times (2010) a year.  Starts off with sore throat then runny nose (clear) with flu like symptoms (fatigue, fever, aches, and cough). After 1 or 2 days I get nasal infection (yellow mucus) which then requires antibiotics.  It has been such a strain on life.  I can prolong the time period between episodes with lots of rest but not by much, maybe a month.  I have a 4 year old in day care who is also always sick (normal for kids in daycare) so maybe I’m getting what he has.  It seems as if every time he gets sick I do as well but not sure.  Another theory is allergies.  The first symptoms are very similar to allergies. And then because of the nasal congestion the nasal cavities don’t clear out properly which causes nasal infection which is the fever and major fatigue.  I get sick for about 5-6 days and then feel better.  6-8 weeks go by and it starts all over again.  I am going for allergy testing in a few weeks.  I hope to get some answers soon.  I will also be getting tested for Tuberculosis and Drug-Resistant Streptococcus Pneumoniae (DRSP) Disease.