Respiratory infections like influenza are more serious in patients with asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and such infections can often lead to pneumonia and acute respiratory complications. [14] And since COPD is a major cause of death and illness in the US, using influenza vaccination to minimize risk of complications is critical to its sufferers’ health. [15]
Only about 20% of asthmatic adults aged 18-49 years report getting a flu vaccine, according to a 2003 study. [37] Similar to other chronic illnesses, infection with influenza virus can exacerbate COPD. [31] Influenza vaccination has reduced the number of hospitalizations and deaths in patients with high-risk chronic conditions.
Remember to recommend influenza vaccination for your patients with respiratory diseases. And remember to get vaccinated yourself so you don’t spread the virus to others.
