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Print: What are the complications of COPD?
If you have COPD, you might be more likely to get colds and flu. Because your heart can be strained, it will get bigger. You might have high pressure in the vessels that bring blood to your lungs.
You should have a flu shot every year. You should also have a pneumonia shot. You are less likely to get flu or pneumonia if you have these shots. Rehabilitation and exercise programs specifically for people who have COPD may also be helpful.
A note about vaccines
Sometimes the amount of a certain vaccine cannot keep up with the number of people who need it. More info...
Source
COPD: Management of Acute Exacerbations and Chronic Stable Disease by MH Hunter, MD; DE King, MD (American Family Physician August 15, 2001, http://www.aafp.org/afp/20010815/603.html)
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff
Reviewed/Updated: 07/10
Created: 08/01
