The World Health Organization has announced that Swine Flu (H1N1) has officially been declared a pandemic. This means that people with COPD need to take special precautions in order to prevent Swine Flu from occurring, as any infection, including H1N1, increases the risk of COPD exacerbation.
The following tips are recommended for patients with COPD, or any other type of chronic illness:
- Avoid crowds, including family occasions that may involve being around people who are sick. Staying home whenever possible is best for patients at high risk for Swine Flu, at least for the time being.
- Call your doctor if you develop a fever or 100.5 F or higher. Drink plenty of fluids in the interim.
- Wash and sanitize your hands often, using proper handwashing technique.
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue and immediately discard it and wash your hands. Or, do so in the crook of your arm to keep germs from spreading.
- Don't wait - if you start to feel sick, call your doctor's office immediately for advice on what to do next.
UPDATE: There is currently a Swine Flu vaccination available and COPD patients are among those who should get one. Visit the CDC Swine Flu Vaccination page for more information.
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COPD and Swine Flu
I sure hope another Pandemic does not hit our world again. I can’t bear to see that many people die!! Hopefully it will stay out of the US again.