Getting a flue shot and the pneumonia shots is considered best practice for almost all COPD patients and is recommended by nearly all docs. The reason is that any exacerbation (worsening of your symptoms that requires a doc's intervention, such as antibiotics, prednisone or additional medication or hospitalization) has the potential to do additional damage to your lungs that can't be fixed. Your breathing is already compromised; you don't want to lose any more lung function. What often happens with the flu, even in people without lung disease, is that it goes into pneumonia and that can do major damage to the lungs. Getting a flu shot reduces your chances of getting the flu, and getting the pneumonia shots reduces the chance that you'll get pneumonia. I hope that clear up the topic for you. What are you reading that scares you so much? I suggest you go to www.copdfoundation.org for good information about COPD that won't scare you. Join 360 Social while you're there.

My pulmonary doctor had me have the extra effective flu shot and the new P13 pneumonia shor. I've had both flu and pneumonia shots but these are fairly new and recommended-----at least for me. I am 81 and on o2 24/7. I'm not worried about the shots. I am worried about flu or pneumonia.

I never had a flu sho in my life until I had a bad flair and was in the hospital. However I had a pneumonia shot when I had gall bladder surgery 2010. It was probably one of the best things I have ever had, as far as any type of treatments. When I was younger I had bronchitis at least once a year. Got really sick. Now they have improved both the flu and pneumonia, I get a flu shot every year, I don't need another pneumonia till I'm 65. And I even had a shingles shot last year. I'm pretty healthy most of the time. So, if your asking me I think it's well worth it.

Hi!...I was given a pneumonia shot recommended by my Dr and he suggested to get the flu shot done as well which I have yet to do. My COPD gets worse when I come down with the flu so yes I think it would be a very good idea. I take Spirava and Breo daily and ventolin when needed. I am 54 and when I had my first spirometry test I had lungs of an 81 year old, then I developed the flu and the spirometry test came up that I had lungs of an 83 year old. On my last test which was oh geez over 3 months ago I had lungs of a 72 year old. I have yet to have another test and I'm guessing it will rise again as I have not stopped smoking. I know, I am so badddddd, but it is so hard. I would highly recommend the shots just to be on the safe side. One plus side to my COPD is that there were no signs of the big C on my lungs from the last chest xray....phewww so relieved about that. Hoping you have an easy Breathing day...

I recommend a flu and pneumonia, shot for helping utilize all lung function. If, let's pray not, we contact it. it will make it harder to breath. The feeling of your lungs being full. And tightness in your chest. Mucus, the list goes on. I have experienced it. Every little thing helps, and a little P/M, can't hurt.