Flu season in the United States starts in October and ends in May but is at its peak from December through February. Most people who get the flu will suffer from a mild illness and recover within two weeks without medical care or antiviral drug treatment. Unfortunately, patients with COPD are at a high risk of developing flu complications that can result in hospitalization and possibly death due to pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections or other flu-related complications. The flu can also worsen symptoms of COPD. Until recently there has not been published data to support the benefit of flu shots for patients with COPD.
Flu Shot Significantly Reduces Hospitalizations of Patients with COPD
A national Canadian study showed influenza vaccinations are effective in reducing flu-related hospitalizations in patients diagnosed with COPD. Between 2011 and 2015, a national, prospective, multicenter study evaluated influenza related hospitalizations in patients with COPD or any acute respiratory illness. Researchers analyzed 4,755 patients with COPD. Out of the 4,755 patients, 4,198 had received a flu vaccination. The results showed patients that received a vaccination had a 38% reduction in flu related hospitalizations compared to patients that did not receive a flu vaccination. Patients that did not receive a flu vaccination showed a higher risk of flu related hospitalizations, flu related death and flu related critical illnesses.
Hospitalized patients that had COPD, tested positive for the flu and had not been vaccinated had higher death rates and more severe flu related illnesses than similar patients that had been vaccinated. Researchers concluded that influenza vaccines could reduce the risk of flu related hospitalizations and critical illnesses in patients with COPD.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD, is a medical term used to describe a group of chronic, inflammatory lung diseases including; emphysema, chronic bronchitis, refractory asthma and bronchiectasis. The Stem Cells Transplant Institute in Costa Rica, uses adult autologous stem cells for the treatment of COPD.
Stem cell transplantation is a promising method for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the treatment provided by the Stem Cells Transplant Institute could help improve the signs and symptoms of COPD such as:
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activities
- Chest tightness
- Excess mucus in your lungs
- Chronic cough
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Lack of energy
- Swelling in ankles, feet or legs
- Cyanosis or blueness of the lips and fingernails
Global clinical research using stem cell therapy has grown dramatically in the last few years. Researchers are uncovering new ways to apply stem cell therapy for people affected by chronic conditions such as COPD.
Stem cells are a type of undifferentiated cell that are able to differentiate into specialized cell types. Stem cells can be guided into becoming a specific type of cell allowing physicians trained in the field of regenerative medicine to use stem cells to repair the diseased or damaged tissue in your lungs as a result of COPD.
Mesenchymal stem cells have the ability to:
- Promote self-healing
- Have potent anti-inflammatory capabilities
- Modulate abnormal immune system responses
- Prevent additional premature cell and tissue damage
- Reduce scarring
- Stimulate new blood vessel growth improving blood flow
Stem cell therapy at the Stem Cells Transplant Institute may reduce some of the symptoms associated with COPD and may lead to a number of quality-of-life improvements including:
- Easier breathing
- Improved lung function
- Increased energy
- Improved stamina
- Reduced coughing and wheezing
- Reduced number of infections
Stem cell treatment along with lifestyle modification may help improve the symptoms of COPD. The hallmark of COPD is chronic pulmonary and systemic inflammation. Mesenchymal stem cells modulate the immune system and decrease inflammation, restoring oxygen-rich blood flow and improving lung function. Contact us at the Stem Cells Transplant Institute to learn more about the benefits of stem cell therapy.
Mulpuru S., Ye L, Hatchette T, et al., Effectiveness of influenza vaccination on hospitalizations and risk factors for severe outcome in hospitalized patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). CHEST. 2019;155(1):69-78.