Living Well During Cold & Flu Season with COPD

If you have COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), cold and flu season is more than just a time for sniffles and sore throats. Even a simple cold or virus that barely bothers others can lead to severe flare-ups, hospital stays, or long-term problems for people with COPD.

At LPT Medical, we understand that managing COPD can be a daily challenge. We want to help by offering not only medical equipment, but also education, preparation, and practical tools so you can live well, even during high-risk times.

In this post, we’ll cover how cold and flu viruses impact COPD, how to protect yourself, and what habits and tools can help you breathe easier all season long.

Why Cold & Flu Season Is Risky for COPD Patients

COPD is a progressive lung disease — including conditions like chronic bronchitis and emphysema — that causes airway inflammation, blocked airflow, and difficulty breathing. During cold and flu season (typically from late fall through early spring), viruses become more active and contagious.

Even a mild upper respiratory infection can:

• Trigger COPD exacerbations (flare-ups)
• Increase mucus production and inflammation
• Reduce lung function temporarily or permanently
• Lead to pneumonia or hospitalization
• Worsen symptoms like coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath

According to the CDC, respiratory infections are among the leading causes of hospitalization among COPD patients each year. That’s why prevention, early detection, and proactive care are critical during this time of year.

Prevention First: Reduce Your Risk of Getting Sick

The best way to manage COPD during cold and flu season is to avoid getting sick in the first place. While no strategy is foolproof, combining multiple precautions greatly reduces your risk.

1. Get Your Vaccinations

One of the most critical protective steps is staying up to date on vaccines, including:

• Annual flu shot — Reduces your risk of severe influenza and complications
• COVID-19 booster (as recommended)
• Pneumococcal vaccine — Helps prevent bacterial pneumonia
• RSV vaccine (for older adults and high-risk individuals)

Talk to your doctor about which vaccines are right for your age and condition.

2. Practice Hand Hygiene

Cold and flu viruses spread easily via surfaces and hands. To reduce risk:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water (at least 20 seconds)
• Use hand sanitizer when soap isn't available
• Avoid touching your face — especially eyes, nose. Try not to touch your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth during the transmission periods (especially November to March), consider:
• Limiting exposure to crowded indoor spaces
• Politely declining visits with friends or family who are sick
• Wearing a high-quality mask (N95 or KN95) in crowded places

If you need to travel or attend a gathering, consider bringing hand sanitizer, avoiding close contact, and wearing a mask, even if others are not. In a Clean Home Environment

Your home should be a safe space, especially during cold and flu season. Simple steps include:

• Regularly disinfecting high-touch surfaces (doorknobs, phones, remotes)
• Using a HEPA air purifier to reduce airborne particles and viruses
• Avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke, dust, and strong chemical cleaners
  
  

Strengthen Your Body's Defenses

While avoiding germs is key, supporting your immune system and lung function from the inside out is just as important.

1. Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet

A well-balanced diet supports immune health, energy levels, and respiratory function. Prioritize:

• Protein: Helps maintain muscle mass and lung strength
• Colorful fruits and vegetables: Provide antioxidants and vitamins C and A
• Healthy fats: Found in nuts, seeds, avocado, and olive oil
• Hydration: Keeps mucus thin and easier to clear

Check with your doctor or a dietitian if you have weight loss, poor appetite, or dietary restrictions related to COPD.

2. Stay Physically Active (Within Limits)

Exercise improves lung capacity and strengthens your respiratory muscles. Even during cold months, you can:

• Take short walks indoors (e.g., around the house or at a mall)
• Do light chair-based exercises
• Use COPD-specific breathing exercises like pursed-lip breathing or diaphragmatic breathing

3. Get Enough Rest and Manage Stress

Fatigue and chronic stress can weaken immune function. To protect yourself:

• Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep per night
• Establish a calming bedtime routine
• Practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation or gentle stretching
• Talk to a mental health provider if anxiety or depression flares up

Keep an eye on your symptoms and act quickly if you notice changes

Early action is critical if you catch a cold or feel a flare coming on. COPD exacerbations can escalate rapidly, so monitoring and responding early helps prevent serious complications.

Know Your Baseline

Track your “normal” symptoms so you can recognize changes quickly:

• Daily breathlessness level
• Cough and mucus (color, consistency, frequency)
• Energy levels
• Oxygen saturation (if monitored at home)

Watch for Warning Signs of a Flare-Up:

• Sudden increase in shortness of breath
• Change in mucus (more, thicker, yellow/green color)
• Chest tightness or wheezing
• Fever or chills
• Fatigue that’s worse than usual

If you notice these, contact your healthcare provider immediately. You may need:

• A short course of steroids or antibiotics
• Nebulizer treatments or inhaler adjustments
• Oxygen therapy changes or support
• Temporary hospitalization (in serious cases)

Use Your Equipment Consistently — and Correctly

Cold and flu season is not the time to let your oxygen therapy, inhalers, or nebulizers slide. Staying consistent with your COPD management plan reduces your risk of exacerbations.

Oxygen Therapy Tips:

• Use your prescribed portable oxygen concentrator (POC) when active
• Clean nasal cannulas and tubing regularly
• Monitor your oxygen saturation (SpO2) with a pulse oximeter
• Have extra batteries or power sources during storms or outages

At LPT Medical, we offer lightweight, long-lasting portable oxygen concentrators to help you stay mobile, independent, and confident, even when you are unwell or facing adverse weather conditions.

Inhaler and Nebulizer Use:

• Follow proper inhaler technique (spacer use if needed)
• Clean your nebulizer and mouthpieces daily
• Refill medications before you run out
• Keep emergency inhalers within easy reach

Plan for Emergencies

Cold and flu season often overlaps with bad weather, power outages, and pharmacy delays. Set yourself up for success by planning.

• Keep a supply of medications for at least 1–2 weeks
• Store backup oxygen batteries or tanks
• Write down emergency contact numbers and your COPD action plan
• Have a travel bag ready with essential items (inhalers, POC, mask, sanitizer)

A Winter Wellness Checklist for COPD

Here’s a simple weekly checklist to help you stay well:

I’ve had my flu, COVID, and pneumonia vaccines

I’ve washed my hands regularly

I’ve cleaned my inhaler/nebulizer this week

I’ve stayed hydrated and eaten nutrient-rich meals

I’ve used my oxygen therapy as prescribed

I’ve avoided contact with sick people

I’ve taken my medications consistently

I’ve monitored my symptoms for changes

Small actions, done consistently, can keep you out of the hospital and in control.

Final Thoughts: Living Proactively, Not Fearfully

Having COPD during cold and flu season does not mean you need to be afraid. It means you can be informed and ready.

By taking preventive steps, fueling your body with the nutrients it needs, staying on top of symptoms, and using your oxygen equipment correctly, you can stay strong, reduce your risk, and protect your health during the most vulnerable time of the year.

At LPT Medical, we are here to support you with helpful resources, respiratory tools, and caring service. Your lungs are important, and with the proper steps, you can breathe easier this winter and in the future.

Need help choosing the right portable oxygen concentrator for winter mobility and comfort?

Contact our team at LPT Medical today at 1-800-946-1201. We are happy to help you find the equipment that fits your needs and keeps you safe all year.