Protect your lung health through the winter
Cold air and winter germs can make it harder to breathe. And it can be dangerous for people with a lung disease such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Read on for ways to protect your lungs and feel your best.
Winter can take a toll on the health of your lungs. Cold, dry air can be bothersome. Colds and the flu spread easily. It’s hard to make it through the season without getting an upper respiratory infection.
Kids and adults with asthma or COPD are at an even higher risk of lung issues in winter. A cold, flu or other problems can cause a flare-up. It can even lead to a trip to the hospital.
But there are steps you can take to keep you and your kids healthy. Here’s how.
Learn more about asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Prevent colds and flu
The best way to stay healthy? Avoid getting sick in the first place. Cold and flu bugs spread easily. But there’s plenty you can do to fight them.
- Wash your hands. Using soap and hot water, scrub for at least 20 seconds. Can’t get to a sink? Use hand sanitizer in a pinch.
- Keep surfaces clean. Sanitize things you touch often. That includes things like doorknobs, handles, steering wheels and your phone.
- Keep your distance. Don’t get too close to someone who is sick.
- Wear a mask. If you can’t keep your distance, a mask may protect you in crowded places. If you’re sick, wearing a mask can keep you from spreading it to others.
- Take your meds. Keeping COPD and asthma under control can help your lungs fight off germs better. Keep taking your medicines as directed to stay healthy.
Get the most out of your benefits
Should I take antibiotics?
Antibiotics are a go-to treatment for many things. But they’re not always the right choice for upper respiratory infections.
Antibiotics work only against infections caused by bacteria. But cold and flu come from viruses. And antibiotics won’t help treat a viral infection.
If you start feeling sick, go to your doctor or urgent care. They can run tests to figure out if it’s a bacterial or viral infection. Then they’ll prescribe medicines or other treatments to help you feel better.
If they prescribe an antibiotic, be sure to take it exactly as directed. Follow the dosage instructions given by your doctor or pharmacist. And complete the full course, even if you start feeling better before it’s done.
Quit or avoid smoking
Smoking — and being around smoke — can harm lungs. That includes vaping. It’s especially harmful to people with asthma or COPD. If you don’t smoke, it’s best to try and avoid secondhand smoke whenever possible.
If you do smoke, talk to your doctor about quitting. It’s one of the best things you can do for your health, and for the health of those around you. Your doctor can recommend programs, tools or medicines that can help.
See our sources
Cold air and your lungs: American Lung Association
What to do when you get sick: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Help to quit smoking: SmokeFree.gov
