Hidden Health Alarms: 14 Subtle Symptoms That Could Signal an Autoimmune Disease

13. Frequent Infections or Lingering Illness

Some people seem to catch every bug going around, but if colds, sinus infections, or other illnesses hang on longer than expected or hit more frequently than before, your immune system’s balance may be shifting. Certain autoimmune diseases don’t just rev up the immune system—they can actually make it less efficient at responding to real threats, making recurring sickness an early, subtle sign. It’s tempting to blame germy environments, young kids, or simply “bad luck.” If illnesses are sticking around, striking back-to-back, or you need more time to recover, bring these patterns to your provider’s attention. It’s one more way of honoring your body’s intelligence by asking the right questions, not assigning blame.

14. Mild Chronic Dizziness or Lightheadedness

Nearly everyone feels lightheaded from time to time—standing up too quickly or missing a meal can do it. But ongoing bouts of unexplained dizziness, even if they’re mild, can sometimes have ties to autoimmune diseases like lupus, multiple sclerosis, or rare conditions impacting the body’s ability to control blood pressure and hydration. Since dizziness doesn’t always cause disruptions, it’s often overlooked. However, if your stability feels “off” more days than not, or if you feel faint without a clear reason, keep a simple journal and discuss these shifts with your clinician. Catching patterns early, including those that might not seem urgent, is another powerful form of self-care.