Ray and Stella Ross

Husband with COPD and His Wife, Household Contact

Ray Ross, 75, has emphysema, a progressive chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Ray has difficulty breathing because the disease has blocked airflow to his lungs. While he tries to maintain an active lifestyle, his emphysema can make simple chores physically challenging.

In 2004, 11.4 million US adults (18 years of age and older) were estimated to have COPD. However, close to 24 million US adults have evidence of impaired lung function, indicating an under-diagnosis of COPD.

Smoking is the primary risk factor for COPD. Approximately 80 to 90 percent of COPD deaths are caused by smoking. Smokers are 12-13 times more likely to die from COPD than people who have never smoked.

“COPD sufferers cannot risk getting influenza,” said Ray.

As a result of his emphysema, Ray is at increased risk of developing complications from influenza, such as bacterial pneumonia, which would make it even more difficult for him to breathe.

Influenza vaccination should be given annually to anyone who has COPD. It's also important for anyone who is a household contact to get immunized every year. Ray's wife, Stella, gets immunized every year, not only to protect her own health (since she's over 65), but also to help ensure she does not bring the virus home to her husband.

For Ray and Stella, family is everything. “We have four grown children and seven grandchildren, and we will do whatever is necessary to maintain our health so that we can enjoy the family we've raised.” While COPD has gotten in the way, Stella and Ray get immunized to make sure influenza does not.