For those of us who have COPD, anybody around you and yes, the rest of the planet - get your flu shot!
Influenza kills more than 36,000 people a year!
Influenza is a virus for which antibiotics don't work and can lead to bacterial pneumonia.Speaking of which, folks with COPD need a pneumonia vaccine every five years. There are different forms of both so ask your doctor which is best for you. You don't need a doctor's appointment if you can't afford it. A phone call will do.
I got my influenza and pneuonia vaccines at my local grocery store and had no out-of-pocket copay.
If you say, well the flu shot makes me sick - I would have to agree in spite of all of the reassurances that it can't! But I'd rather schedule my sick days and know that they are limited and non-life-threatening than to play russian roulette.
It is important to note that the vaccine takes a couple of weeks to become effective, so you can still contract the flu if you are exposed to the flu right before or after you are vaccinated. If you have a fever, you should hold off on getting the vaccine until your fever has passed. But don't forget!
Get your vaccinations! Don't smoke! If do those 2 simple things you increase your survival rates more than all of the other treatments put together! And it doesn't cost a dime!