November is COPD & Lung Cancer Awareness Month
As the winter months approach, you may have questions about recognizing the difference between cold, flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19 symptoms. As a Better Breathers Club facilitator, I would like to share prevention tips to prepare for the upcoming cold and flu season.
Did you know?
• The average adult gets between two and four colds per year, mostly between September and May.
• While the flu shot will not protect you against getting the flu, it will help reduce how sick you feel and for how long.
• Pneumonia is an infection in your lungs that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the air you breathe.
• There are two types of tests available to diagnose COVID-19: viral tests detect a current infection and antibody tests detect a past infection.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on your health and pre-existing conditions. It is important to discuss with your doctor the need for the flu and pneumonia vaccines.
COPD Awareness Month
During November’s COPD Awareness Month, remember that it is especially important to manage your COPD during the pandemic, including taking regularly prescribed medications. That includes continuing to use your nebulizer at home as directed. You can visit Lung.org for tips on managing your COPD, read American Lung Association’s latest blog post, or listen to Dr. Albert Rizzo, Chief Medical Officer of the Lung Association, share tips via a webcast. Development of these educational resources is generously supported by Theravance Biopharma.
