Ask HN: Does anyone else get sick when their vacation starts?

#1

Post by cain » Wed, Dec 22, 2021, 2:39 AM UTC

For at least the past 7 years, without fail, as soon as I start my vacation (whether it's staying at home, or going abroad) I get sick. Cold/flu-like symptoms. Time of year makes no difference.

I end up spending ~1 week recovering, before feeling normal again but by that time I'm starting work again. I tend to have to make sure I book at least two weeks, otherwise I don't get a break. If it's relevant: I work full time, software engineer, mostly remote.

Anyone else have this issue or know of it happening? Or am I just overthinking an unlucky run of coincidentally-timed colds.

Re: Ask HN: Does anyone else get sick when their vacation starts?

#2

Post by uberman » Wed, Dec 22, 2021, 2:42 AM UTC

Same here.

I don't take much vacation (a week a year max) even though I have like 6 weeks vacation but without fail I need a vacation after my vacation has ended.

Re: Ask HN: Does anyone else get sick when their vacation starts?

#3

Post by aed » Wed, Dec 22, 2021, 2:50 AM UTC

You’re not alone! And you may be surprised (or not) to learn that it’s a thing and it has a name: Leisure Sickness

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leisure_sickness

I hope you’re able to find a way to fight it off in the future!

Re: Ask HN: Does anyone else get sick when their vacation starts?

#4

Post by cm2012 » Wed, Dec 22, 2021, 3:02 AM UTC

I don't take vacations anymore, it's more stressful than it's worth.

Re: Ask HN: Does anyone else get sick when their vacation starts?

#5

Post by cain » Wed, Dec 22, 2021, 3:05 AM UTC

aed wrote: post #3

You’re not alone! And you may be surprised (or not) to learn that it’s a thing and it has a name: Leisure Sickness https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leisure_sickness I hope you’re able to find a way to fight it off in the future!

Oh, interesting. Thank you! It's odd to see something I experience, put into words by others.

Re: Ask HN: Does anyone else get sick when their vacation starts?

#6

Post by alanlammiman » Wed, Dec 22, 2021, 3:22 AM UTC

I get that often. I assume that when there is travel involves (esp air travel) a big piece is exposure to new viruses and bacteria + stress. if you get it even without travel: before your holidays do you have to crunch to get things done before you leave? The stress, reduced sleep could be lowering your immunity.

Re: Ask HN: Does anyone else get sick when their vacation starts?

#7

Post by seattle_spring » Wed, Dec 22, 2021, 3:27 AM UTC

I experience this, primarily when I take a break between jobs. It'll typically be as sick as I've ever been; bad enough to visit the ER in a few cases.

Re: Ask HN: Does anyone else get sick when their vacation starts?

#8

Post by Nathanba » Wed, Dec 22, 2021, 3:34 AM UTC

I had that a few times, it's always because I eat worse because I subconsciously know that I dont need to perform and I stay up longer and I train my body less or not at all. Then I also usually dont eat my morning steak which throws me off right from the start. Basically all the things I do to make sure that I'm healthy are getting switched off because "oh well, it's my vacation. I dont have to eat my morning steak to have guaranteed energy through the morning."

Re: Ask HN: Does anyone else get sick when their vacation starts?

#9

Post by cain » Wed, Dec 22, 2021, 3:35 AM UTC

alanlammiman wrote: post #6

I get that often. I assume that when there is travel involves (esp air travel) a big piece is exposure to new viruses and bacteria + stress. if you get it even without travel: before your holidays do you have to crunch to get things done before you leave? The stress, reduced sleep could be lowering your immunity.

Not so much crunch, but I do stress over leaving WIP in a clean state that colleagues can pick up while I'm gone.

That's a useful insight - thanks.

Re: Ask HN: Does anyone else get sick when their vacation starts?

#10

Post by Jaepa » Wed, Dec 22, 2021, 4:02 AM UTC

Nathanba wrote: post #8

I had that a few times, it's always because I eat worse because I subconsciously know that I dont need to perform and I stay up longer and I train my body less or not at all. Then I also usually dont eat my morning steak which throws me off right from the start. Basically all the things I do to make sure that I'm healthy are getting switched off because "oh well, it's my vacation. I dont have to eat my morning steak…

I'm sorry – A morning steak? I think this may come down the cultural differences, but what is a morning steak? I'm legitimately curious.