Are you one of those unlucky people who picks up every single nasty cold on the block, while your bulletproof friend seems to drink tequila for breakfast and remain mysteriously immune to all ailments?
If this sounds familiar, you may be wondering what your friend's secret is. Why do some people get ill all the time while others cruise through life on a wave of magical immunity? And most importantly, how can you join the strong constitution club?
Why do some people never get sick?
Research suggests that, on average, each individual picks up around 200 colds in their lifetime. But some people seemingly never get ill and don't take their fair share of the sickness pie. So what is their secret?
According to science, there isn't one (yet). While some people may appear to suffer more than others with various ailments, it is a phenomenon that mainly has self-reporting to blame, as there is no hard evidence suggesting any other factors are at play.
While some suffer more than others with various ailments, it is a phenomenon that mainly has self-reporting to blame.
'Some of us inherit a set of immune system genes that are particularly good at dealing with one particular virus,' Daniel Davis, professor of immunology at the University of Manchester, told The Guardian. 'But that is not to say that you or I would have a better or worse immune system. All it means is that you would deal with a particular flu virus better than me. There is an inherent diversity in how our immune systems respond to different diseases and that diversity is essential to how our species survives disease.'
Professor Davis went on to explain that the sheer diversity that exists within our immune systems makes sweeping generalisations about immunity little more than folklore. Indeed, he added, it even calls into question the benefits of all the products claiming to boost immunity levels, such as vitamin supplements or health teas, many of which are targeted at those among us whose health seemingly suffers more.
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How to not get sick so often
Although science might not support the concept of superhuman health (at least not yet), it is well-known and extensively documented that certain lifestyle choices can help boost your immunity and give you a better chance of fighting off the cold that's been making it's way around the office.
Try these top tips to boost your immunity and fight off ailments:
Early exposure and your immune system
It might be a bit late for this if you're an adult, but if you expose your children to certain levels of bacteria and viruses as they grow up, the more resilient their immune systems will become later in life. It means they might be less likely to succumb to certain allergies.
This is called the 'hygiene hypothesis', and is backed up by research suggesting that widespread use of disinfectant, antibacterial products and avoidance of dirt could stop children developing healthy gut bacteria.
Obviously we don't suggest you encourage your children to eat rotten food or skip bath time completely, but do make sure they spend time playing outdoors, and don't worry too much if they come back covered in mud!
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Exercise and your immune system
The recommended amount of exercise in order to achieve optimal health stands at 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week (that's 30 minutes a day for five days), alongside two sessions of strength exercises.
Evidence carried out by Harvard Medical School suggests that regular exercise boosts immunity and improves circulation – not to mention all the other wonderful things it can do for both your mental and physical wellbeing, so get moving!
The importance of sleep quality and health
Sleep has been proven to have a huge impact on the immune system. Indeed, one study published in The National Center for Biotechnology Information found that your chances of catching a cold are up to four and a half times greater in people who only manage five and a half hours of shut-eye per night, compared to those who achieve the recommended seven hours.
If you struggle to switch off at night and find it tricky to achieve your seven hour quota, try our mindfulness techniques to help you sleep.
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The link between stress and illness
Professor Davis cites stress as the 'best established link' in terms of how lifestyle impacts the immune system. Partially, this is because chronic or long-term stress produces cortisol. In the short term, cortisol helps to fight infection but when its levels are continuously high, it can have a negative effect, suppressing and weakening the immune response towards potential viruses or illnesses.
It's been well documented that stress is bad for your mental and physical wellbeing, so working on stress-busting techniques will benefit your health in general, and hopefully in turn give you the strength the fight off that nasty cold!
Last updated: 01-10-19
Dr Juliet McGrattan (MBChB)Dr Juliet McGrattanDr Juliet McGrattan spent 16 years working as an NHS GP.
FAQs
Why Some People Evade Colds And Others Don't People who have built up immunity to common viruses are less likely to get sick. But researchers say it's also possible some people are genetically less susceptible to catching a common cold.
Is it a good thing if I rarely get sick? ›
So your body has responded but you haven't ended up with a full blown cold or you haven't been laid out sick for a number of days or weeks. So this would be a sign of a healthy immune response, but a person who doesn't get sick at all is not necessarily a healthy response.
Why do some people get sick more often than others? ›
Some people are simply more susceptible to getting sick than others. Lifestyle choices, environment, genetics, and age play key roles in determining immunity. Even if you cannot entirely control your immune system, fostering healthy habits might help protect you against infections.
Why do fit people never get sick? ›
Exercise is “the single most important thing you can do to reduce sick days,” says David Nieman, DrPH, director of the Human Performance Lab at Appalachian State University. Although scientists aren't really sure why, research suggests that consistent exercise gives your immune system a boost.
What are signs of a strong immune system? ›
Signs of a strong immune system
People with a strong immune system are more likely to recover quickly from an injury or illness, feel less fatigue and have good gut health.
Are there people who never get sick? ›
Research suggests that, on average, each individual picks up around 200 colds in their lifetime. But some people seemingly never get ill and don't take their fair share of the sickness pie. So what is their secret? According to science, there isn't one (yet).
How do I strengthen my immune system? ›
Vaccines, such as the flu vaccine, build immunity against specific diseases. Some additional ways you can strengthen your immune system are eating well, being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, getting enough sleep, not smoking, and avoiding excessive alcohol use.
How often does the average person get sick? ›
Adults average about 2 to 4 colds a year, although the range varies widely. Women, especially those aged 20 to 30 years, have more colds than men, possibly because of their closer contact with children. On average, people older than age 60 have fewer than one cold a year.
What causes a low immune system? ›
It can also happen to people following organ transplants who take medicine to prevent organ rejection. Also, infections like the flu virus, mono (mononucleosis), and measles can weaken the immune system for a brief time. Your immune system can also be weakened by smoking, alcohol, and poor nutrition. AIDS.
How do I know if my immune system is weak? ›
Signs and symptoms of primary immunodeficiency can include: Frequent and recurrent pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, ear infections, meningitis or skin infections. Inflammation and infection of internal organs. Blood disorders, such as low platelet count or anemia.
Testing for an antibody deficiency (or humoral immune function) The standard screening tests for humoral immune function start with measuring immunoglobulin (Ig), or antibody, levels in the blood serum. These consist of IgG, IgA, IgM, and sometimes IgE levels. The results must be compared to age-matched controls.
Why do some people not get colds? ›
“Researchers are exploring why some people are more susceptible to cold and flu viruses. While we don't have all the answers, we believe that your environment, genetics and immune system play a key role in determining your risk for these illnesses.”
What are the 7 healthy habits of people who almost never get sick? ›
It could be one of these stay-healthy tips: Exercise daily. It helps boost your immune system. In fact, studies show moderate exercise can help reduce the number of colds you get in a year by up to 25 to 50 percent.
Why do I always get sick even though I eat healthy? ›
So Why Am I Always Getting Sick?" - Jacqueline Andriakos. It is possible that some people have naturally stronger immune systems than others. Some individuals are thought to be especially resistant to certain bacterial and viral infections.
Does getting sick strengthen your immune system? ›
Almost no virus is protective against allergic disease or other immune diseases. In fact, infections with viruses mostly either contribute to the development of those diseases or worsen them.
What is it called when a person does not get sick because they have a resistance to the disease causing agent? ›
Immunity to a disease is achieved through the presence of antibodies to that disease in a person's system. Antibodies are proteins produced by the body to neutralize or destroy toxins or disease-carrying organisms.
Why is my immune system strong? ›
Vaccines, such as the flu vaccine, build immunity against specific diseases. Some additional ways you can strengthen your immune system are eating well, being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, getting enough sleep, not smoking, and avoiding excessive alcohol use.
What if we never got sick? ›
Those infectious, chronic or mental conditions that disrupt our bodies and that we identify by specific symptoms would vanish. If we never got sick, would we still die? Yep. We'd meet our maker thanks to murders and suicides.
Why is my immune system so weak? ›
It can also happen to people following organ transplants who take medicine to prevent organ rejection. Also, infections like the flu virus, mono (mononucleosis), and measles can weaken the immune system for a brief time. Your immune system can also be weakened by smoking, alcohol, and poor nutrition.
