Nurse with a crappy immune system??

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So I have always wanted to be a nurse, as long as I can remember. I'm now going to be starting school for my pre-reqs in the summer at the age of 28. The only issue I have is this...every time somebody gets sick around me, I get sick. Am I setting myself up for a miserable life, or will I develop some immunity? Has anyone else ever had this issue?

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Specializes in Ambulatory care.

well so long as you dont have a compromised immune system medically then you should be fine. if you do discuss it with preceptor so they can not assign you patients that will endanger your health. Wash your hands properly, often, and don't touch the face, eyes, nose, mouth. Of course before and after bathroom and before eat. In nursing school i spent the first 3-6 weeks of every semester sick with one cold after another. As a new nurse I spent most of orientation battling back to back cold viruses and the ocassoinal flu as my immune system is still learning what to do with so many germs. What i do notice is that my recovery time is now abit shorter than it was in the begining. Over time your immune system does get stronger but it takes time as I notice that none of the other nurses, doctors, pcas get sick this often as they've been working for decades. Good luck and wash your hands.

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Along with Inori advice, you could look into taking Vitamin C tablets.

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Thank you! I'm currently fighting off a cold right now as I work with a couple people that don't wash their hands or cover their mouths, yuck. My question, when you get sick do you just fight it off or break down & get antibiotics of some sort?

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Antibiotics shouldn't be used very often unless needed. Whatever the infection is may become resistant to antibiotics if you take them often, which if you pass that new resistant infection off, antibiotics will not work for others as well. I would say to try to eat heathlier and take as many precautions as necessary.

I use to get sore throats all the time from being sick, I am talking, probably 6 times a year, which I hated because they hurt so much. I usually just got some cough drops and let it run it's course. Now, I rarely get any sore throats or sick because my immunity has built up stronger and I begin eating healthier.

When you're in nursing school though, you'll want to get plenty of rest and have a nutritious diet to combat any threat to your immunity. I know that is wayyyy more easier said than done, especially in nursing school, but if you don't feel well, you won't preform well.

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Thank you! I put off going to the doctor yesterday to get meds. When I told my fiance` that I was just going to try and fight it myself, he kind of scoffed at me saying that "getting a shot always clears stuff right up". When I tried to explain the concept of developing immunity, I think he thought I just didn't want to get a shot. Believe me, I would much rather get a shot and feel better right now than suck it up and deal with it, but I'm really trying to develop some immunity!

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Welcome to AN! The largest online nursing community!

I am sorry you are not feeling well......viral illnesses does not respond to antibiotics. Washing your hands before touching your face/ eat is the most important. If you are unwell you need top follow up with your PCP.

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I hope you feel better.

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