Flu Shot May Be a COPD Lifesaver
The flu vaccine may sincerely be a lifesaver for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). When struck with the flu, A bout of the flu may not only prompt COPD flare-ups—a leading cause of hospital admissions and readmissions—but can lead to life-threatening complications.
Seasonal flu shots are recommended for the general public, especially individuals over 65, but most important as a health precaution for anyone diagnosed with a respiratory condition, including COPD. According to estimates, only about 50% of patients with COPD are vaccinated.
Per a 2019 study published in CHEST, study data from 46 hospitals that were collated from part of the Canadian Immunization Research Network (CIRN) Serious Outcomes Surveillance (SOS) Network from 4,755 hospitalized patients with COPD. Of these, 4,198 (88.3%) had known vaccination status.
The study found a 38% reduction in influenza-related hospitalizations in vaccinated vs. unvaccinated patients, and also suggested that those individuals with COPD are at a higher risk of dying if hospitalized with the flu, compared to the general population.
The study found that 34% of the hospitalized patients with COPD were not vaccinated in the season during which they were hospitalized. The study also noted that antiviral medication use in the hospital can help reduce flu-associated complications, even though doctors may be reluctant to prescribe it 48 hours after the onset of symptoms.
Flu vaccines have the potential to reduce flu-related hospitalizations and improve the outcome of illness in patients with COPD.
