Understanding the signs and symptoms of immunodeficiency

If you’ve been feeling unwell more often than usual, taking longer to recover from infections, or wondering why colds hit you harder than others, your immune system might be trying to tell you something.

Being sick from time to time is normal, but when it becomes frequent, severe, or lingers longer than it should, it may point to an underlying issue. One possibility is a condition called immunodeficiency.

In this blog, we’ll look at what immunodeficiency means, the types that exist, the most common immunodeficiency symptoms, and when to speak to a health professional. 

You’ll also find guidance on where to get support and how Inclusive Employment Australia by APM can help if your health condition is affecting your ability to work.

What is immunodeficiency?

Immunodeficiency is a condition where your immune system doesn’t work as well as it should.

Your immune system protects your body from infections, bacteria, viruses and other harmful invaders. When it’s not working properly, you’re more likely to catch illnesses, and those illnesses can be harder to treat or take longer to go away.

Some people are born with immunodeficiency, while others develop it later in life due to factors like medication, chronic illness or lifestyle changes.

It’s not always easy to recognise straight away, especially because the signs and symptoms can overlap with other common health issues.

Types of immunodeficiency

There are two main types of immunodeficiency:

Primary immunodeficiency

This is caused by genetic or inherited problems with the immune system. People are usually born with this type, though symptoms might not appear until later.

There are over 400 different types of primary immunodeficiencies, ranging from mild to severe. Examples include:

• Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID)

• Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)

• Selective IgA deficiency

• X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA)

These conditions affect how your body produces antibodies or fights off infection.

Secondary (or acquired) immunodeficiency

This type of immunodeficiency is acquired over time. It is more common and happens when something else affects your immune system. Some causes of secondary immunodeficiency include:

• Chronic diseases like diabetes or cancer

• Certain medications, such as chemotherapy or steroids

• HIV/AIDS

• Malnutrition or poor diet

• Ageing or extreme stress

Secondary immunodeficiency can develop at any time in life and may improve once the underlying cause is treated.

How to know if you have immunodeficiency – symptoms to watch for

The most important thing to look out for is how often and how seriously you’re getting sick. Everyone gets the occasional cold or infection, but if your immune system isn’t working properly, you might notice things like:

• Frequent infections – such as ear, sinus, chest or skin infections that keep coming back

• Long recovery times – it takes longer than normal to get better after being sick

• Hard-to-treat illnesses – infections that don’t respond well to standard treatments

• Needing multiple rounds of antibiotics to clear an infection

• Severe reactions to common bugs – like the flu or a cold turning into pneumonia

• Ongoing fatigue – feeling tired or run-down even when you’ve rested

• Chronic diarrhoea or digestive issues

• Inflammation or swelling in joints

• Slow-healing wounds or repeated mouth ulcers

• Unexplained weight loss or poor growth in children

These symptoms don’t automatically mean you have immunodeficiency, but they are worth exploring with a doctor if they keep happening. 

Keeping a symptom diary can be helpful, giving your doctor clear information to work with.

If you’ve noticed that your health doesn’t bounce back like it used to, or that you’re constantly unwell without a clear reason, it’s time to get it checked out.

When to see a doctor

You know your body best. If something doesn’t feel right, especially if you’re often sick, more severely ill than others, or taking longer to recover, don’t wait to see a doctor.

It’s particularly important to seek medical advice if:

• You’ve had multiple infections in the past year

• You need frequent or long courses of antibiotics

• Infections are spreading or becoming serious (like turning into pneumonia or sepsis)

• There’s a family history of immune disorders

• You’re also experiencing ongoing fatigue, inflammation or other persistent health issues

Even if you’re unsure, keeping a record of your symptoms can help. Note how often you’re getting sick, how long it lasts, and any treatments you’ve needed. This information can help your doctor investigate more effectively.

How immunodeficiency is diagnosed

There’s no single test for immunodeficiency, but your doctor will likely begin with a detailed health history, physical exam, and basic blood tests to check how your immune system is functioning.

They may look for:

• White blood cell counts

• Immunoglobulin (antibody) levels

• How your body responds to vaccines

• Inflammation markers

Depending on what’s found, they might refer you to an immunologist — a specialist who can run more advanced testing.

Diagnosing immunodeficiency can take time, especially if symptoms overlap with other conditions. But getting a diagnosis is an important step to understanding what’s happening and how to manage it.

Where to get support for immunodeficiency

Finding out you have an immunodeficiency can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone.

Here are some ways to get the right support:

Talk to your doctor

Your GP can be your first point of contact. They can help coordinate care, refer you to specialists, and discuss treatment or management options.

Work with specialists

Immunologists, infectious disease experts or other healthcare providers can help create a plan that fits your needs. Depending on your situation, treatment may include medications, lifestyle adjustments, or therapies to reduce your risk of infection.

Join a support group

There are support organisations and groups for people living with immunodeficiency. They offer advice, community, and a chance to connect with others who understand what you’re going through.

Look for groups such as:

• Immune Deficiencies Foundation Australia (IDFA)

• Primary Immunodeficiency Patient Support Australia (PIPSA)

Talk to your workplace or education provider

If your condition affects your daily activities, you may be eligible for workplace modifications and adjustments, such as flexible hours, remote work, or extra leave. 

Open communication can help you stay engaged and supported.

Seek employment support

If your health condition makes it harder to find or keep a job, you might be eligible for help through Inclusive Employment Australia.

At APM, we support people living with health conditions, injury or disability, including those with immunodeficiency, to find work that suits their strengths and circumstances. This includes help with:

• Identifying job goals and opportunities

• Writing resumes and preparing for interviews

• Talking to employers about health-related needs

• Getting workplace adjustments or ongoing support

We know that living with a chronic health condition doesn’t define you. With the right support, you can build confidence, feel empowered, and find work that works for you.

Further reading and resources

Here are some organisations and resources that offer more information and support on immunodeficiency:

• Healthline – Immunodeficiency disorders

• Australian Society for Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) 

• Immune Deficiency Foundation

• Mayo Clinic - Primary immunodeficiency - Symptoms & causes

• WebMD - 16 symptoms of immune system problems

Struggling with symptoms? You’re not alone

Recognising immunodeficiency symptoms early can help you get the treatment and support you need to protect your health and wellbeing.

You don’t need to navigate this journey on your own. Whether you’ve just started noticing symptoms or you’re already managing a diagnosis, help is available.

And if your condition is affecting your ability to work, APM can support you through Inclusive Employment Australia. We’ll work with you to find a job that suits your needs and give you the tools to succeed.

You’ve got more strength than you think — and we’re here to help you use it. Contact us today for more information. 

About this article

APM supports people with disability, injury, or a health condition through various programs and services across its businesses, including Inclusive Employment Australia in Australia.

When discussing disability, APM’s copy style is to use person-first language and the social model of disability in the first instance. Some articles may use identity-first language or refer to the medical model of disability for clarity or to better suit a specific audience.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

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