Avoiding Infections

People with chronic lung or immunodeficiency diseases such as asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as emphysema and / or chronic bronchitis), A.I.D.S. and many others need to be extremely aware of avoiding viral, bacterial, parasitic, and fungal lung infections.

What's the difference between a viral and bacterial infection?

Why should I avoid infections?

If you have one of these conditions it is more difficult for your body to stop and kill invading organisms. Consequently, you are more likely to get lung infections and, your infection will last longer. Lung infections will make your asthma and COPD symptoms much worse: you will be more short of breath, cough more, and have even less energy. Furthermore, once infected, it is more likely that the infection will progress to pneumonia. Therefore, it makes the most sense to take precautions against getting an infection in the first place. Here is what we suggest:

• Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. Good hand washing is one of the easiest and best ways to avoid getting all sorts of infections.
• Be extra vigilant at good hand washing whenever you visit a hospital, clinic, school, or any other place where a large number of people are gathered.
• When you do cough or sneeze, make sure you do so into a tissue or handkerchief rather than into your hands.
• If you use any equipment to help you breathe easier or clear your chest such as spacers, flutter valves, or humidifiers, make sure you clean them often and thoroughly.
• Get a flu vaccine (against the influenza virus) every fall.
• Get the vaccine against pneumococcal bacteria (once every five to seven years).
• Ask your healthcare provider about what vaccines are best for you.

Although it is important to take preventative measures to avoid lung infections, you do not need to isolate yourself from other people. Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed way to prevent infections. However, if you are proactive with your vaccines, take the time to wash your hands, and are aware of your surroundings, then you will increase your chances of living an infection free life.