How to look for signs you have a weakened immune system

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the word immunity has been a part of our daily conversations. There have been advice prescriptions to keep our immune system strong and fight off infections. What are the signs of a weakened immune system? Here is a list compiled from published medical advice.

Constant stomach issues
A large part of our immunity is directly linked to the condition of our digestive system. Medical specialists say almost 70% of the immunity-boosting tissues in our body are located in our gut, which is empowered by millions of beneficial microorganisms. If you regularly suffer from stomach issues such as diarrhoea, bloating, constipation, etc., then these could be warning signs of a weakened immune system. The underlying issues could be much more serious if your gut problems last for weeks at a time.

Frequent cold and cough
A runny nose or an occasional sneeze never gets much of our attention. Because, it's absolutely normal for adults to have two or three episodes of colds or infections each year. Healthy individuals usually recover from a common cold in a week. But, if you have recurring episodes of colds and they take more than 10 days to disappear, then there could be something wrong with your immune system. Constant irritation in the throat can further point to a serious underlying condition, which shouldn't be ignored.

Constant fatigue
It's absolutely fine to feel exhausted after a busy day. But, if you are feeling tired or fatigued all the time - even after a good night's sleep - then it certainly is a cause for concern. To further gauge the situation, you can make some changes in your sleeping habits, or take a break from your busy schedule for some time to see whether these issues are temporary. If the fatigue persists, then it is a clear sign that your immune system is struggling to cope with some underlying problem.

Delayed wound healing
When we get a burn or cut, our wounds heal easily. Usually, we don't need to notice the healing until it’s a deep tissue injury, or if the wound covers a big area. But, if your wounds take longer than normal to heal, or fester unusually for a long while, then it could indicate a weakening immune system. This delay in healing can be the first sign of a serious health issue, like diabetes, that needs your immediate attention.

Frequent infections
A weak immune system could make you prone to infections and you'll have a harder time getting rid of them. There is a whole range of such infections, but the common ones are: sinus and ear infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs) and fungal infections. These infections usually invade your body when your immune system fails to make enough antibodies to thwart their attack. These infections could further point to some serious problems, which shouldn’t be ignored to avoid further damage.

(Disclaimer: This article has only generic information available in the public domain, and is in no way prescriptive. For reliable healthcare advice, always consult a medical practitioner.)