Signs You Have a Weakened Immune System

When you’re ill, it’s your immune system’s job to fight off the illness and help your body recover. However, sometimes it might not work as well as it should do. For some people, a weakened immune system is something they’re born with, or it can be caused by certain medical conditions or medications taken.

The common signs that you have a weakened immune system include:

• having a regular cold - whilst catching a cold is normal throughout the year, having regular colds or finding its taking a long time to recover from cold symptoms may be a sign that your immune system is not able to fight off viruses as well as it should.

• having regular infections - as above, if you regularly have infections, or find yourself needing to take antibiotics multiple times a year, it can be sign that your immune system if not strong enough to fight off infections.

• slow healing wounds - the immune system helps to heal any minor wounds and will aid in regenerating new skin. If you are finding that wounds are taking longer to heal, or not healing properly, this is a sign your immune system is not working as it should.

• feeling tired all the time - feeling exhausted even though you are getting enough sleep can be sign that your body is conserving energy due to a weakened immune system, so that it can fight off illnesses when the time comes.

• having tummy issues - frequent stomach and bowel problems like diarrhoea, bloating or constipation that lasts for long period of times can be a sign that your immune system is compromised.

There are many factors that can increase your risk of an weakened immune system such as stress, not eating a balanced diet, smoking and lack of sleep. Making changes to your lifestyle habits will help support your immune system and give your body a better chance of fighting off any illnesses.