Recurring Respiratory Infections: Causes and What to Do

Question
Dear Dr. Borucki,

I am hoping you can help. I am a 26-year-old female, and just in 2009 I have now been sick a total of 4 times. The first two illnesses were lengthy colds which persisted over a month each time. The third time I caught the flu from my dad, and I am now sick again, with what I believe is another cold.

My fiancee and I do not have children, nor do we work with children - we both work in standard office settings, non-medical. He seems to never get sick, even if I do, which makes him really lucky since we live together. I do not have allergies, and saw a pulmonologist just 2-3 months ago who tested me for asthma (result was negative). Yet somehow I am highly susceptible to upper respiratory illnesses, especially colds, flu and bronchitis.

Any advice on suggestions or tests to ask my doctor about to try to get to the bottom of why I seem to always be sick lately? Also, if I have the opportunity to move from an office environment to working from home, would you suggest that as a viable option to help improve my health?

Thanks in advance,

Jessica

Answer
somehow you are getting exposed to respiratory/cold virus'... maybe where you work, where you play.... it isn't "your immune system" as much as exposure.... careful hand washing and not getting in people's faces that are sick.... it is worthwhile going thru the workup for immune problems but they probably won't find anything.....  you didn't mention it, but if you smoke, then you need to stop....