First Exacerbation in 26 years

I have had COPD for 26 years. While there has been progression, I have never been to ER or hospitalized with lung related issues. That has changed. I neglected to get my annual flu vaccine. I came down with the flu, and just one cough, just one, and I now knew what lung involvement means. I was hospitalized with chronic hypoxic respiratory failure. Scary. I am ok now, home, recuperating. Lesson learned: Get the flu vaccine.