Why Do I Keep Getting Sick? Recurrent Infections in Adults

Why Do I Keep Getting Infections?

Repeated infections can happen for different reasons. The type of infection, how often it returns, medications, existing health conditions and other individual factors can all matter. If infections are becoming more frequent, lasting longer or repeatedly returning, a healthcare provider can review the pattern and determine whether further assessment is appropriate.

Recurrent infections in adults do not automatically mean there is a problem with the immune system. Exposure to viruses, allergies, asthma, chronic health conditions, medications, and incomplete recovery between illnesses can all contribute. What matters is the pattern: how often infections occur, where they develop, how severe they become, and how well they respond to treatment.

A primary care physician can review that pattern and determine whether testing, follow-up, or a referral for Internal Medicine in Calgary may be appropriate.

What Are Recurrent Infections in Adults?

There is no single number that defines recurrent infections for every adult. The significance depends on the type of infection, its severity, the person’s overall health, and whether the same problem keeps returning.

Examples may include:

• Repeated sinus infections
• Frequent bronchitis or pneumonia
• Recurring urinary tract infections
• Repeated skin infections or abscesses
• Persistent oral thrush or other fungal infections
• Infections that improve and then quickly return
• Infections that require repeated courses of treatment

Medical guidance suggests that recurrent infections are more concerning when they are severe, complicated, occur in several parts of the body, involve unusual organisms, or do not respond as expected to standard treatment.

Why Do I Keep Getting Sick?

There are many possible explanations for recurrent infections in adults. Some are related to exposure or underlying health conditions rather than an immune deficiency.

Frequent Exposure to Viruses

Adults who work in schools, daycares, healthcare settings, customer-facing workplaces, or crowded environments may encounter respiratory viruses more often. Parents of young children may also be exposed to infections brought home from school or daycare.

Separate viral infections can occur close together, making one illness seem as though it never fully resolved.

Allergies or Asthma

Not every episode of coughing, congestion, or sinus pressure is caused by an infection. Allergic rhinitis and asthma can cause recurring symptoms and may also make respiratory illnesses more difficult to manage.

Persistent sneezing, clear nasal drainage, itchy eyes, or symptoms that follow a seasonal pattern may suggest allergies. Learn more about seasonal allergy symptoms and assessment in Calgary .

Structural or Localized Health Problems

When infections repeatedly affect the same area, there may be a local factor contributing to the problem. Examples can include sinus drainage problems, urinary tract abnormalities, chronic lung conditions, dental concerns, or skin-barrier conditions.

A healthcare professional may consider whether further examination, imaging, or specialist assessment is appropriate.

Chronic Medical Conditions

Certain chronic conditions can affect the body’s ability to prevent or recover from infections. These may include:

• Diabetes
• Chronic kidney disease
• Chronic lung disease
• Poor circulation
• Some gastrointestinal conditions
• Conditions that affect nutrition or nutrient absorption

Having one of these conditions does not mean recurrent infections will occur. A clinician may review whether an existing condition is adequately controlled and whether it could be contributing to the pattern.

Medications and Medical Treatments

Some medications suppress or alter immune-system activity. These may include certain corticosteroids, chemotherapy drugs, biologic medications, and treatments used for autoimmune or inflammatory conditions.

Do not stop a prescribed medication because you are concerned about infections. Speak with the prescribing healthcare professional about the pattern, possible risks, and whether any changes or monitoring are appropriate.

Smoking and Respiratory Irritation

Smoking, vaping, and ongoing exposure to second-hand smoke can irritate the airways and affect respiratory health. Workplace dust, chemicals, and other environmental irritants may also contribute to persistent coughing or recurring respiratory symptoms.

Immune-System Conditions

Immune deficiencies can cause frequent, persistent, unusual, or severe infections, but they are not the most common explanation for adults who feel they are getting sick repeatedly.

Immune-system assessment may be considered when infections:

• Are unusually severe or complicated
• Occur in several parts of the body
• Require intravenous antibiotics or hospitalization
• Do not respond as expected to treatment
• Are caused by unusual organisms
• Occur alongside persistent thrush or recurrent deep abscesses
• Are also common among close family members

Both clinical history and testing are needed to assess a possible immune disorder. Symptoms alone cannot confirm a diagnosis.

When Should Recurrent Infections Be Assessed?

Arrange a medical appointment if you are experiencing:

• Infections that occur more often than expected for you
• Repeated infections in the same location
• Symptoms that return soon after treatment
• Several courses of antibiotics within a short period
• More severe infections than you previously experienced
• Pneumonia or other serious respiratory infections
• Persistent fever, swollen lymph nodes, or night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• Ongoing diarrhea or difficulty maintaining nutrition
• Recurrent skin abscesses or wounds that heal slowly
• Frequent oral thrush without an obvious explanation

You should also seek an assessment if recurring illnesses are interfering with work, sleep, physical activity, or daily life.

For a new or non-emergency illness that needs timely evaluation, North East Medical Clinic provides walk-in medical care in Calgary NE based on physician availability, clinical priority, and appropriateness.

What Information Should You Tell Your Doctor?

Keeping a simple record can help your doctor identify patterns. Before your appointment, note:

• When each infection occurred
• Which part of the body was affected
• Whether the infection was confirmed by testing
• How long symptoms lasted
• Which treatments were prescribed
• Whether treatment fully resolved the symptoms
• Whether you required urgent care or hospitalization
• Any medication changes
• Relevant workplace, travel, or household exposures

Bring an up-to-date list of medications and supplements. Include inhalers, non-prescription products, steroid medications, biologic treatments, and medications prescribed by other healthcare professionals.

How Are Recurrent Infections Evaluated?

The appropriate evaluation depends on the person and the infection pattern. A healthcare professional may begin by reviewing:

• Medical and family history
• Previous infections and treatment records
• Current medications
• Vaccination history
• Chronic medical conditions
• Workplace or environmental exposures
• Smoking or vaping history
• Travel history, when relevant

A physical examination may focus on the lungs, sinuses, mouth, skin, lymph nodes, or another affected area.

Testing is based on the clinical findings. It may include bloodwork, cultures, imaging, blood sugar testing, or other investigations. Tests of immune-system function are generally ordered when the history or initial results suggest they may be useful.

Not every patient with frequent colds needs extensive testing or a specialist referral.

When Might Internal Medicine Be Appropriate?

A family physician or primary care provider is usually the first point of contact for recurrent infections in adults. They can assess the immediate illness, review the overall pattern, and arrange initial investigations.

An Internal Medicine referral may be considered when:

• The infection pattern is complex or unexplained
• Several chronic conditions may be contributing
• Symptoms involve more than one body system
• Initial testing identifies abnormalities that require further assessment
• Infections occur alongside metabolic, respiratory, inflammatory, or autoimmune concerns
• Additional specialist coordination may be beneficial

Internal Medicine specialists at North East Medical Clinic assess adults with complex, chronic, and multi-system medical concerns. Internal Medicine services are provided by referral and are subject to physician availability and clinical appropriateness.

Patients can speak with a family doctor or primary care provider about whether a referral is suitable. You can also review the clinic’s medical team before your visit.

When Is an Infection an Emergency?

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if you experience:

• Severe difficulty breathing
• Blue or grey lips
• Chest pain or pressure
• New confusion or difficulty staying awake
• A severe headache with a stiff neck or confusion
• A severe allergic reaction with facial swelling or breathing difficulty
• Signs of severe dehydration
• Loss of consciousness
• Rapidly worsening symptoms that may be life-threatening

North East Medical Clinic does not provide emergency services.

Can Recurrent Infections Be Prevented?

Not every infection can be prevented. The following measures may help reduce exposure and support general health:

• Wash your hands regularly
• Avoid close contact with people who are actively ill when possible
• Stay home when you are unwell
• Keep recommended vaccinations up to date
• Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke
• Follow care plans for chronic medical conditions
• Take prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed
• Do not use leftover antibiotics or medication prescribed to someone else
• Prioritize adequate sleep and balanced nutrition

These measures do not replace medical assessment when infections are frequent, severe, or unusual.

This article provides general educational information and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional about recurring or worsening symptoms.