Frequent Illnesses: Understanding Recurring Colds & Immune System

Question
Dear Dr. Manger,

I just had a few quick questions.  I am 26 years old and for the last three years or so, I have been getting sick every one and a half to two months.  Symptoms are always the same, runny nose, mild fever, stuffy head, fatigue, like a cold, and they go away in about a week or so.  Is it possible to get sick that many times in a year?  Why is my immune system not fighting any of it off?  Is there something more serious going on?  I am not overly stressed or sleep deprived.   I do not have any chronic diseases or anything.  Any help you can give me would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
May


Answer
Your symptoms and recurrent infections are a bit out of the ordinary.  It may be worth a trip to your doctor, perhaps to have some bloodwork done to help look for a potential cause.  I would certainly agree that he/she should focus on issues surrounding your immune system.