Many of my patients have serious and debilitating pulmonary diseases. During this time of year (flu season) I recommend that all of my patients try and protect themselves at all times and, as I have quoted Ben Franklin many times, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Unfortunately, only 44% of Americans report getting a flu vaccine this year.
Influenza is a serious respiratory infection as anyone who has had the flu can attest. Moreover, the flu is easily spread from person to person. Influenza can develop into pneumonia and is particularly likely to do this in young children, adults older than 65 and people with chronic health conditions such as chronic lung disease, heart or liver disease, diabetes or any condition the reduces immunity.
Pneumonia occurs when the lung’s air sacs, called alveoli, become inflamed and fill with fluid. Along with chills, fever and cough, pneumonia is often associated with labored breathing with the need to use your chest wall muscles to draw in a breath. When this type of symptom occurs, you need to be seen by a medical professional. Keep in mind that you may get more than one virus infection at the same time. Viruses such as RSV and Covid-19 remain active in most communities. Getting the flu vaccine is the best way or protecting yourself from sever flu but don’t forget about the other viruses floating around and easily spread form person to person such as RSV and Covid-19.
