Flu season is in full swing. And for the 62 million people worldwide who suffer with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), getting the flu may be worse than for the rest of the population. “People with COPD have compromised lung function and are at high risk for getting influenza,” said Dr. Amesh A. Adalja, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Critical Care Medicine and the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
The flu also can be more severe among COPD sufferers, he said.
“Starting a couple of years ago, we now have a high-dose influenza vaccine that’s FDA approved for elderly patients, and a lot of COPD patients would fall into that category,” said Adalja. The high-dose vaccine has a larger amount of the inactivated flu virus, which will prompt a greater immune response. It’s designed to translate to a decreased risk of contracting the flu—or a less severe case if you do.
If you do get the flu, start antiviral therapy as soon as possible. Antivirals such as Tamiflu are highly recommended for COPD patients to help lessen the severity of their illness. Studies show if taken with 36 hours, antiviral therapies can reduce symptoms by 30 percent and severity by 40 percent.
Disclaimer This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor and is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. Philips disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.