COPD: How to Prevent Lung Infections

The lungs.

Lung infections and pneumonia can be caused by bacteria or a virus. These infections can cause a fever, a cough that produces mucus, and trouble breathing. Lung infections often follow an upper respiratory infection such as the flu or a cold. Mucus in your lungs creates a place for bacteria and viruses to grow.

You may be able to treat a lung infection at home. In some cases, lung infections need treatment at the hospital.

There are several steps you can take to prevent lung infections.

Take care of your body

  • Stop smoking, and avoid secondhand smoke. Smoking makes it more likely you will get a lung infection. If you need help to quit, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These increase your chances of quitting for good.
  • Balance rest with activity. Keeping your body active strengthens your immune system. And getting enough rest and sleep allows your body to recharge.
  • Eat regular, well-balanced meals. Eating well keeps your energy levels up and helps your body fight infection.

Clear your lungs

When mucus collects in your lungs, it increases your risk for lung infections, such as pneumonia. Learning to clear your lungs may help you save energy and oxygen. It may also help prevent lung infections. Here are three things you can do to help clear your lungs.

  • Postural drainage. You lie down in different positions to help drain mucus from your lungs.
  • Chest percussion. You lightly clap your chest and back with a cupped hand. This loosens the mucus in your lungs.
  • Controlled coughing. This type of coughing loosens mucus and moves it though your airways.

Postural drainage, chest percussion, and controlled coughing are often used together to help loosen and remove mucus from the lungs.

Breathing exercises

Breathing exercises can make breathing easier and help keep your lungs healthy. You can learn to control your breathing by practicing breathing techniques every day. Follow your doctor's instructions on how to do these exercises.

  • Pursed-lip breathing is breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth while almost closing your lips.
  • Diaphragmatic breathing is deep breathing in which your belly moves, but not your chest.

Get vaccinated

Vaccinations can keep you from catching an illness that can lead to a lung infection. These include vaccinations for:

  • COVID-19. Stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines. The vaccines help prevent COVID-19. If you do get COVID-19 after being vaccinated, you're much less likely to get seriously ill.
  • Pneumococcal infections. A pneumococcal shot is recommended for people who have a long-lasting (chronic) condition that increases their risk of pneumonia. People younger than 65 usually need only one shot. But doctors sometimes recommend a second shot for some people who got their first shot before they turned 65. Talk with your doctor about if you need a second shot.
  • Pertussis infections. Talk to your doctor about getting the whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine.
  • Influenza. The flu can lead to pneumonia, especially in older adults or in people who have other long-term illnesses. Talk to your doctor about getting a yearly flu vaccine as soon as it's available.

Avoid infection

  • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. Always wash them after you cough, sneeze, blow your nose, or touch items that may have germs.
  • Avoid infections such as COVID-19, colds, and the flu. Stay away from crowds.
  • Avoid contact with people who have measles or chickenpox, unless you are immune to these infections.