Living with COPD

By AJ Murphy

What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease. It develops slowly over time. And it may cause you to have a hard time breathing. We’ll show you how to take a little extra care of yourself. And help you live a healthier, more active life.

Symptoms of COPD are different for everyone, but common symptoms include:

Increased shortness of breath
Frequent coughing (with and without mucus)
Increased breathlessness
Wheezing
Tightness in the chest

Managing your COPD

Our Chronic Care Management Program can help you take care of your COPD. You should tell your doctor if you have lung disease. And we’ll find out if you’re at high risk for COPD. If you are at high risk, a care manager will give you a call and talk to you about treatment options. If you smoke, you should quit immediately. Ask your doctor for help.

Treatment is different for everyone. Some members might need medication. Others might need oxygen therapy. You can learn more about managing your COPD by calling Member Services. Just ask to talk to a COPD manager.

Feel better

There are ways you can take care of your COPD. These can help slow down the damage to your lungs. You can try:

Controlling your breathing. Your primary care physician (PCP) can show you breathing techniques to help you get through your day.
Clearing your airways. Controlling your coughing, drinking lots of water and using a humidifier can help clear your airways. This can help you breathe better.
Exercising regularly. Exercising can help strengthen the muscles you use to breathe. And it can promote overall endurance.
Eating healthy foods. A well-rounded diet can help keep you healthy and strong.
Avoiding smoke and air pollution. Stay away from places where people smoke. If you’re a smoker, you should stop smoking right away. Your doctor can prescribe medication to help you.
Seeing your doctor regularly. Keep all your appointments. Your PCP will help keep track of your lung function. They’ll also help you avoid infections that could lead to pneumonia.

About the author

AJ Murphy is an evocative young writer who grew up in Boston's Charlestown neighborhood. AJ began his writing career at Alaska Ice Rinks Inc. in Anchorage, AK, where he also drove a Zamboni and took care of outdoor hockey rinks.

If you’ve ever had the flu, you know how bad it can be. Getting the flu shot is one way to help prevent against the flu, and it's covered by your health plan. The other way is to understand flu myths and facts, so you can stay healthy.

Be prepared for flu season

A flu vaccine (shot) is your best chance to avoid the flu. It’s best to get a shot each year, as soon the flu shot is available in your area. This can be done at your doctor’s office or a health clinic.

The flu vaccine is available in several forms. Most are given in an arm muscle with a needle. Talk with your doctor about which form is best for you.

Myth vs. Fact

M: You can catch the flu from the flu shot

F: A flu shot cannot cause the flu virus.1 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for just about everyone ages 6 months and older. If you're not sure if you should get the flu shot, check with your doctor first.

M: The flu shot is expensive.

F: The flu shot is covered by your health plan. If you're enrolled, make sure you get your flu shot at no extra cost.

M: The flu shot shouldn't be given at the same time as other vaccines.

F: The flu shot can be given at the same time as other vaccines,2 including the pneumococcal vaccine.

M: Getting the flu shot is all you need to do to protect yourself from the flu.

F: Getting the flu shot is one way to protect yourself. Make sure you also avoid contact with people who have the flu. And remember to wash your hands often.

M: Antibiotics help with the flu.

F: Antibiotics don't necessarily treat the flu. They only help with infections caused by bacteria. Antiviral drugs like TAMIFLU^® can fight the flu virus, so you can feel better faster.

¹Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD). Misconceptions about seasonal flu and flu vaccines. September 25, 2018. Available at: cdc.gov/flu/prevent/misconceptions.htm?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fflu%2Fabout%2Fqa%2Fmisconceptions.htm. Accessed May 20, 2019.

²Georgia Department of Public Health. Adult influenza and pneumococcal vaccines FAQ.

Available at: dph.georgia.gov/sites/dph.georgia.gov/files/Immunizations/Flu-Season-Flu-Pneu-FAQs.pdf. Accessed May 20, 2019.