I was told by a nurse that costochondritis is a signal that a person was about to come down with an illness, is this true?

Family practice : Costochondritis is inflammation of the ligaments that hold your ribs to your sternum. It is caused by cough from a respiratory infection.

MSK CP: Certain infections are associated with costochondritis. Most of the time we don't know why someone has this condition. In many cases it may relate to a blow to the chest, heavy lifting or intense exercise. An illness causing you to cough & sneeze can also do it. There are many causes for musculoskeletal chest pain & there are many causes for chest pain in general. Go back if not not improving.