For most people, having the flu would mean suffering through the ordeal of a runny nose and sore throat for a week. However, things are not that easy for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a lung infection that makes breathing difficult in normal circumstances, let alone while having a cold. On top of that, people with COPD are more likely to get infected because of their suppressed immune cells.
If you have COPD, your virtual cardiac rehab will teach you all the different ways to breathe better. However, you may have to go one step further during the cold and flu season to keep yourself safe from getting sick. But before we can suggest a few ways to do that, let’s understand why it’s important that you keep yourself safe during the cold and flu season.
Complications Can Be Serious for People with COPD During the Cold and Flu Season!
The viruses causing cold and flu can worsen the COPD symptoms that people experience, sometimes making it life-threatening. In fact, many COPD flare-ups get triggered by respiratory infections caused by the flu or the common cold.
People with COPD already find it difficult to breathe because of the fluid blockage and swelling of the airways. After catching cold or flu viruses, it can become even more difficult for them to breathe because of added congestion and fatigue. They will experience more coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath to the point of developing excavations. According to a 2017 study in the International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, the risk of exacerbation increases 30 times when COPD patients catch a cold.
Other than that, people with COPD may also develop potentially serious and deadly complications, such as pneumonia, which may require immediate hospitalization.
Tips to Stay Safe During the Cold and Flu Season
Because the consequences are pretty serious, you need to take added precautions to keep yourself safe. Here are some of the things you can do besides enrolling in pulmonary rehabilitation for COPD –
Getting a Flu Shot –
Even the normally healthy person must get a flu shot, and it is true, particularly for those with COPD. It offers the best protection against viruses, so don’t delay your shot and get it every year. In fact, when you get it every year, it can likely boost your body’s ability to fight and protect.
Asking Family Members to Get a Flu Shot –
One way to catch the flu is by being surrounded by people who have the flu. Hence, you must urge your family members to decrease the odds of being exposed to the viruses by getting the shot.
Getting a Pneumonia Vaccine –
For an extra layer of protection against deadly complications, you must also get a pneumonia shot.
Staying Away from People Who Have a Common Cold or the Flu –
The common cold and the flu can spread very easily. Because of this reason, you should stay away from people who are ill, which includes being in huge crowds where the odds won’t be in your favor.
However, that doesn’t mean you should isolate yourself because it could mean the onset of depression. Join a pulmonary rehab program to get access to all the resources you need to deal with COPD while being as cautious and wise as possible.
Avoiding Touching Your Mouth or Nose –
Because people have a habit of touching their mouth or nose, they transfer germs from other objects to their bodies. If you want to stay safe during the cold and flu season, make it a point to check yourself whenever you touch your mouth or face.
Washing Your Hands Thoroughly and Frequently –
Make it a habit to wash your hands when preparing food or eating or touching objects that may contain germs, such as door handles, subway poles, etc. While washing your hands, scrub between the fingers using warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds.
Stocking Up On Your Medications –
All your medications must be up-to-date and stocked up to ensure you have everything you may need when you get sick.
What Can You Do When You’re Sick?
It’s impossible to stay in control every time, so you may get sick during the cold and flu season. In that case, you should stick with your personalized COPD plan, give your body plenty of rest to heal, and drink loads of water and fluids.
You don’t have to call your doctor immediately after falling sick. However, you can inquire about medications, including OTC flu or cold medicines, before you think of taking them.
If you feel that your COPD symptoms are getting worse, you shouldn’t wait long before making the call to your healthcare provider. Your physician will help ease your symptoms with antibiotics, oral steroid medications, or increased bronchodilator therapy.
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