My respiratory function is poor. How can I prevent an acute lung infection?
Many cases of upper respiratory infection cannot be prevented. Because your respiratory function is compromised by your chronic disease, be on the alert for early symptoms of acute respiratory infection. See:
Most upper respiratory infections are highly contagious. They are transmitted through respiratory secretions. Sneezing and coughing can spread these droplets. The germ can also be passed on when an individual with an upper respiratory infection touches his or her nose and then handles an object that another person later touches. The second person can then pick up the germ from the object and transfer it into his or her own respiratory tract by touching the face.
The following measures may help to prevent acute infection:
avoid people who have symptoms of an infection such as a runny nose or stuffy nose, sore throat, fever, headache, cough, malaise, or vague feeling of illness, muscle aches, loss of appetite, ear pain
limit exposure to small children
wear a mask if you are near people who seem ill or if you go out in public
wash your hands frequently (cold viruses linger on surfaces)
use a hand sanitizer frequently
don't touch your face or eyes
ask friends and family not to visit if they have cold symptoms
ask family to wash hands or use hand sanitizer frequently
get a one-time pnuemovax injection to prevent certain strains of bacteria that cause pneumonia
if you use oxygen or inhalers or a nebulizer, follow instructions to keep equipment clean
disinfect common surfaces after suspected contamination
maintain optimal nutrition
Humidify the air
The flu virus is transmitted by respiratory droplets. These droplets are more easily transmitted in dry air. In humid air they fall to the ground. Hence, winter (when air is drier) is the 'flu season'.
* We can help you understand chronic disease, but only your physician is licensed to give you medical care * Always consult your physician before commencing or changing any treatment he/she has prescribed for you
