Ask the Doctor: ‘I’m 47 and have been diagnosed with COPD. How should I protect myself during flu season?’

“I am 47 years old and have recently been diagnosed with COPD. Since my diagnosis, I have quit smoking after a 20-year habit. I am concerned that coming into winter – with all the different colds, flus and respiratory illnesses going around – that I will be more at risk. Is there anything I should be doing to protect myself and keep myself well?”

Answer from Dr. Abhilash Sahadevan, Consultant in Respiratory & General Internal Medicine

Simple measures in your daily life can help protect yourself this coming winter. Every winter, key areas to tackle are your living environment, clothing strategies, medication, and self-management plan.

Cold environments and breathing cold air weaken our immune system and increase the risk of a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation. Staying warm indoors and outdoors is essential. Check the room temperature and humidity. Ideally, indoor living spaces are kept at approximately 18 degrees celsius. Try regular hot drinks and hot water bottles and stay active indoors.

When going outdoors, gloves, hats and warm layering are equally important. Layering thin layers is better for insulation. A loose scarf around the nose and mouth can help warm air entering the lungs.

Do your best to avoid sick contacts. Increased time indoors may also lead to cross-infection. If isolating is impossible, selective indoor masking and careful attention to disinfection with hand washing will help. Pay attention to not touching your face and mouth, but most importantly, increase vigilance around sick contacts. Do not allow anyone to smoke indoors or near your living space. Apart from cigarette smoke, fireplaces and strong smells can also irritate the lungs.

Revise your COPD self-management plan. This is an excellent time to review your inhaler technique. Google your inhaler name and device, and the internet is full of 2–3-minute videos that help reaffirm your approach. Doing every step right while using your inhaler allows maximum medication to enter your lungs fully. Most patients see a benefit to their symptoms three weeks after improved compliance. Check your cupboard supply, including adequate paracetamol, NSAIDs, antihistamines, and vitamins. Zinc and Vitamin C taken early when noticing upper respiratory symptoms can improve the duration of infection.

Ensure you get the annual flu and other recommended vaccines. In an emergency, a course of steroids and antibiotics are handy at home.

Find ways to stay active during winter but avoid strenuous exercise, like outdoor cleaning, as strenuous exercise has been shown to weaken your immune system. Stay on top of breathing exercises and phlegm clearance techniques. Eat adequately nutritious and healthy meals.

Be aware of your nearest out-of-hours emergency services. Hopefully, these measures will instil confidence in your preparedness.

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