flu and colds with copd

[winnabago]

As you all know I am really new to copd and have a number of questions. I have had my flu shot, what i need to know more about is catching the flu or colds more prevelent with copd, and if you were to catch something does that advance your copd faster. Thank you for any reply's, and have a great day. John

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Hi John, not as far as I know. Please don't worry,take care Bernadette 😊 xx

[winnabago in reply to Damon1864]

Bernadette, thank you for the reply, I am not overly worried, what I am trying to do is gather as much info that will help. My dr so far has not really said much. Thanks John

[O2Trees]

People vary in how often they become ill with colds or flu and how often these progress to secondary chest infections. Colds and other viruses won't in themselves advance copd. But having a lot of chest infections will likely at some point cause some permanent reduction in your lung function. That's why it's important to have good infection control, keeping away from sick people, educating your friends and family to keep away from you when they are ill. Also important to avoid touching your eyes, nostrils and mouth when you are out, wash your hands as soon as you get home. Try not to touch surfaces like door handles where the public have been if you can avoid it. All common sense stuff.

[winnabago]

Thank you you 02Trees, that is all very important information. And, all common sense I appreciate your input. John

[O2Trees in reply to winnabago]

A pleasure - I was just like you when I was dxd. I wanted to know everything, and what I learnt has kept me pretty well considering. It's good to be proactive.

Good reply from Pam - I forgot to mention the pneumonia jab which you'll hear is a once in a lifetime, or every 10 years, medical opinion doesnt seem sure but I got double pneumonia about 14 years after Id had mine, so Ive had another. Also of course get yearly flu jabs. Keep asking anything you want to know.

[winnabago in reply to O2Trees]

Thanks, I did get the pneumonia shot, thanks for reminding me the time line for that shot. Really appreciate your knowledge regarding copd and sharing with me, I am sure there will be more questions. John

[winnabago in reply to O2Trees]

02Trees, If you don't mind how many years have you had copd, and at what leavel are you. If you don't want to reply that is ok too. John

[O2Trees in reply to winnabago]

No problem John. I already had asthma since my 20s and was dxd with copd at moderate level when I was 55, 16 years ago. Im now at severe - 36% fev1. Smoked 10 a day, gave up at 40, plus exposure to various environmental pollutants, building dust, photographic darkroom chemicals, paint stripper.

[winnabago in reply to O2Trees]

Thanks for all the input, you come across as a very positive person, doing all that you can. John

[O2Trees in reply to winnabago]

So do you John - I think there are lots of us like that and we can keep each other raised up with our collective pma

[Pam1952]

Hi John. You should have a pneumonia jab as well. Colds and upper respiratory tract infections don't have any impact on your lungs. Any infection that gets into the lungs can potentially cause some damage for anyone, so it's important to minimise the risk. There are products you can buy that help, such as Vicks First Defence, and it's important to be extra vigilant with the hand washing.

Take care. Pam XXX

[winnabago in reply to Pam1952]

Thanks Pam, I had the pneumonia shot, I don't remember if that is a one time only or yearly? I carry and use hand sanitizer whenever I am out in the public, always wash up at home, and just try to be up no matter where I am. Thanks, John

[revagayle]

Hi John, I am new to the group too. I am also very curious about the other members, ages & stages & such. I am also curious about what "type" of copd members have. I am 61 yrs old from the US. I am moderate FEV 73 % with emphysema & quite scared. Sometimes I can be quite calm but at other times I am terribly anxious (usually after I have been googling on the computer). I have my first apt with a pulmonologist on Mon, I want to be sure my regular dr is treating me with the proper meds. I am anxious to hear what he has to say. Take care, Gayle

[winnabago in reply to revagayle]

Thanks for the reply. I am 74 and dr said i was in moderate stage, am on oxygen only at night. I just stopped smoking, am going to gym riding bike for 3 miles, doing this 2-3 times a week.What type I believe emphysema? I am also in the US state of Oregon. I am also new to this and very anxious also, this group we are in can really help you, they come across as very caring people. You take care. John

Oh, make sure you take notes of what you need to talk to the dr about with you.

[revagayle in reply to winnabago]

I already have a list made out. I just hope I don't lose it! lol.

[peege in reply to revagayle]

Hello Revagayle, copd is an umbrella term. Here in the UK it only includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Perhaps different in the U.S.

Great advice on Winabago's thread for newbies 😃 most of us have learnt that knowledge is the key. I joined 4 years ago & I'm 100% sure that what I've learnt from other members has helped me enormously. I do everything I can to keep my immune system fighting fit.

BTW we don't recommend googling US sites, they seem to be all worst case scenario doom & gloom. The UK NHS sites are more informative, calm and practical. (NHS is our National Health Service, free, just pay for medication between ages 18-60).

Be well. Peege

[casper99 in reply to peege]

I agree with you Peege about the US sites. They try to scare people into buying their drugs. Our NHS doesn't need to tout for business, thank goodness. xx

[K-Kilcoyne in reply to revagayle]

Don't Google...keep questioning on here...We are all sufferers and can give advice.

Doctors just seem to diagnose and give prescription

A good nurse us worth her weight in gold

Just like the folk here

[y_not]

Hi,

Since being dxd in 2011 I don't remember having a cough/cold or even man-flu!

Each infection goes straight to my lungs resulting in emergency meds (antibiotics & steroids).

All the above comments are great advice, can I add that, for me, the next infection will be middle of April! Granddaughters birthday and, as they live 3 hours away we visit them, the pattern is bed rest about 4 days later - love 'em to bits but it is a nightmare! Avoid kids! They are mobile bug breeding grounds!

FEV is 54%

Best wishes

[Billjoiner in reply to y_not]

I too am 50 % fev. Age 75 . Quit the cig's 4 yrs ago . For Anxiety I have used Buspirone for years. Look it up on drugs.com. Bill

[winnabago]

As I live in the us, does anyone have the web site that deals with us posts for HealthUnlocked. Thanks John.

[Hidden in reply to winnabago]

HU is a UK site, based in London

[revagayle in reply to winnabago]

copd friends is a community on this site that says for Americans but there are more people on this site.

.

[Cliffordx]

simple answer is noit just slows you down a bit just makes you lethargic a quick course of antibiotics and steroids brings you back ive had emphysemia and copd for the last ten years and im still mobile with out oxygen x