Immune system check: How to tell if your immune system is weak?

What are the symptoms of a weak immune system?

1. Recurrent infections: Experiencing frequent infections, like colds, flu, or other illnesses, can be a strong sign of a weakened immune system. 
2. Delayed healing: Injuries, cuts, or infections that take longer to heal than normal could signify a diminished immune response. 
3. Chronic exhaustion: Ongoing fatigue or tiredness that doesn’t improve despite adequate rest might point to suboptimal immune system function. 
4. Digestive problems: Regular gastrointestinal issues, like diarrhoea, constipation, or bloating, may indicate an imbalance in gut health, closely linked to immune performance. 
5. Worsening allergies or autoimmune conditions: An increase in allergic reactions or the emergence of autoimmune disease symptoms can suggest that the immune system is either overreacting or malfunctioning. 
6. Skin issues: Skin issues like rashes, persistent acne, or other irritations may indicate difficulties with the immune system. 
7. Recurrent fever or inflammation: Chronic fevers or signs of inflammation may indicate that the body is consistently working to fight off infections or deal with inflammation. 

Common tests that check the health of your immune system

Full blood count (FBC):

C-reactive protein (CRP) test:

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR):

Autoantibody tests:

Fasting glucose or HbA1c:

Quick tips to boost immune system

1. Maintain a balanced diet: Eat a balanced diet by incorporating a diverse selection of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your meals to ensure you're getting essential vitamins and minerals. 
2. Stay hydrated: Ensure sufficient water consumption to support your body's functions and eliminate toxins. 
3. Engage in regular exercise: Participate in moderate physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week to boost circulation and enhance immune performance. 
4. Focus on sleep: Aim to get 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night to promote immune health and general well-being. 
5. Handle stress effectively: Utilise stress-relief methods such as mindfulness, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to reduce cortisol levels and support immune response. 
6. Keep a healthy weight: Achieving and sustaining a healthy weight can enhance your immune system and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. 
7. Limit alcohol and tobacco consumption: Minimise alcohol use and avoid smoking to protect against immune system weakening. 
8. Stay current with vaccinations: Make sure to receive recommended vaccines to guard against various infections. 
9. Include probiotics in your diet: Add foods high in probiotics, like yogurt and fermented items, to boost gut health, which is vital for immune function. 
10. Maintain good hygiene practices: Frequently wash your hands and uphold good hygiene to minimise the risk of infections. 

When to seek a doctor’s appointment?

How can Hola help?

1. Blood test referrals: Hola Health can assist in arranging referrals for essential blood tests, ensuring you obtain the right diagnostic assessments for your health issues. 
2. Specialist referrals: If you need expert care, Hola Health can offer referrals to qualified specialists tailored to your symptoms and medical background, making the process easier. 
3. Medical certificates: Hola Health can provide medical certificates for various situations, such as employment or educational requirements when you need proof of your health status. 
4. GP telehealth: Hola Health offers telehealth services that enable you to consult with general practitioners online, providing a convenient way to manage your health concerns from the comfort of your home. 
5. Prescriptions: Hola Health can help in obtaining prescriptions for necessary medications, ensuring you have access to the treatments you require without the inconvenience of an in-person appointment.