Who's At Risk?

WHO'S AT RISK FOR DEVELOPING COPD?

Exposure to tobacco smoke

People with asthma who smoke

Occupational exposure to dusts and chemicals

Exposure to fumes from burning fuel

Age

Genetics

VACCINES:

Influenza and Pneumococcal Pneumonia can cause serious problems for people who have COPD. Flu shots can reduce your risk of getting the flu. People who have COPD are at higher risk for pneumonia than people who do not have COPD. Talk to your doctor about yearly flu vaccines and when to get a Pneumonia vaccine.

LIVING with COPD

• "If you smoke, quit. Smoking is the leading cause of COPD. Talk with your doctor about programs and products that can help you quit (COPD, 2019)."

• Avoid all forms of lung irritants

• Continuance of care

• Do activities slowly

• Avoid tight restrictive clothing

COPD. (2019). Retrieved November 10, 2019, from National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/copd