i think that is a very interesting question. i think that we bipolars can get sick -- a cold, the flu, allergies -- just like everyone else. But perhaps the stress of being sick (of missing work, of feeling ******) has different consequences. it might bring on the irritabillity or make us feel depressed or down. Also not sleeping well is never good for us. lately, I have been sick with allergies, lying on the bed with a wet cloth on my swollen eyes and sneezing 1,000 times a day. i have very very very very grumpy. So there is no way this is giving me "break." But other times, if I do too much and don't slow down, i get sick. i guess i am more vulnterable to the bugs and the viruses. it seems that there is no one conclusion to draw here. there are many variables, and we're all different!