Struggling with persistent sickness...

[BarredBuff]

So, for the last four months, I have been infected with strep throat constantly. I've tested positive four times in four months. I am a school teacher and that provides me plenty of exposure to pathogens. However, this is my second year and I didn't have it all last year. I'm currently sick with it again. Each time, I finish my antibiotics. I also clean my bathroom, bedroom, and other common areas really well. I wash my hands regularly and use hand sanitizer. I take a multivitamin and vitamin C supplement. However, I keep getting strep throat. My doctor is referring me to a specialist for a tonsillectomy. But, that'll be late May before I can do that. Any advice to help me before then?

 

[flowerbug]

gargle with light saline warm water.

alternate with 3:1 blend of hydrogen peroxide.

do you have sinus or dental problems?


(should i have warned you that this next part is kinda gross? hahaha...)

there are a few drainage tubes that come into the back of the throat and for some people those can get little chunks of food caught in them, which will then calcify over time, you can dig/pry/push them out with a butter knife if you can see them, get them out, this also contributes to bad breath.

 

[Lazy Gardener]

I would advise against digging around in the back of the throat. Injury, even minor injury can result in systemic infection. Hubby shared an article about a man who died after repeatedly trying to dig a lodged bit of food out of his mouth with sharp objects. Best bet, go to that ENT appointment. Do you have any household members who could be re-infecting you?

I am a fan of nasal swab zycam. I also use Vitamin C, Echinacea, and zinc when I'm feeling run down, or even when I've been around some one who has the sniffles, or been in a public place. You might also try Chaga extract and elderberry syrup. Do some research about raw honey and natural vinegar (with the mother).

Wash your hands OFTEN! As well as surfaces you come in contact with. Phone, computer keyboard, etc.

 

[BarredBuff]

I think I have a student this year that is re-infecting me. I haven't had it in 10 years until now.

 

[FarmerJamie]

@BarredBuff the wife suggested a possible immunologist to test your immunoglobulin levels and titers. Repeated persistent infections may be an immunological issue.

Trust her, just saying

 

[CrealCritter]

So, for the last four months, I have been infected with strep throat constantly. I've tested positive four times in four months. I am a school teacher and that provides me plenty of exposure to pathogens. However, this is my second year and I didn't have it all last year. I'm currently sick with it again. Each time, I finish my antibiotics. I also clean my bathroom, bedroom, and other common areas really well. I wash my hands regularly and use hand sanitizer. I take a multivitamin and vitamin C supplement. However, I keep getting strep throat. My doctor is referring me to a specialist for a tonsillectomy. But, that'll be late May before I can do that. Any advice to help me before then?

My D3 gets very low in the winter, doc has me on OTC D3 5000iu daily. I don't need it in the warmer months because I get plenty of sun on my skin. My understanding D3 helps with immune system as well as other things. He told me D3 defiency is common in the Midwest. Has your doc ran bloodwork? Maybe you might have a D3 defiency?

From Google

5 Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency​

Most people don't realize they're deficient in vitamin D until it's too late. This is because the symptoms are often subtle and confused with "normal aging." Here are 5 telltale signs and symptoms of vitamin D deficiency:

1. Feeling Tired All the Time: Tiredness and fatigue can have many causes, and vitamin D deficiency is often one of them. Even having slightly low blood levels of vitamin D can have a negative impact on your energy levels. 2. Low Mood: A depressed mood is a common sign of vitamin D deficiency, especially in older adults. If you feel down or irritable often, there is a good chance your vitamin D levels are too low to support healthy mood balance. 3. Weak Bones: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining strong bone by supporting calcium absorption and bone metabolism. Many women with bone loss believe they need more calcium, yet very often they are deficient in vitamin D. 4. Getting Sick Often: Keeping your immune system strong is one of vitamin D's most important roles. It directly interacts with the cells responsible for warding off pathogens. If you find you get sick often, low vitamin D levels may be to blame. 5. Unexplained Aches and Pains: Muscle pain and weakness is a red flag that you have inadequate vitamin D levels in your blood. This is because your body's vitamin D receptors are present in the nerve cells that sense pain.

 

[Britesea]

Very few people get enough D in the winter months. I am also taking 5000iu daily, as well as zinc, C, and extra magnesium and potassium.

 

[Lazy Gardener]

When I had a bone density test several years ago, the tech discussed Vit D and it's importance in: Calcium absorption, mental health, and sleep cycles. She had worked with an endocrinologist doc who is on the leading edge of research regarding Women's health issues. This tech stated that (at least at my lattitude) it's not possible to manufacture enough Vit D from sun exposure at ANY time of the year except for a few weeks around the summer solstice, and then, only if one spends a LOT of time outdoors. So... she recommended taking it year round, and it is best absorbed in the morning. No doubt it plays a role in many other body functions, including immune system strength.

 

[Lazy Gardener]

As we age, we manufacture even less Vit D.

 

[baymule]

As we age, we manufacture even less Vit D.

Thanks a lot for that...…..