Preventing Respiratory Infections with Aspergillosis

Two older adults talking outdoors at a café to reduce respiratory infection risk — Simple precautions, such as meeting outdoors when practical, can help reduce the risk of respiratory infections.

Originally published: 6 April 2020 | Last reviewed: 18 September 2026 | Next review: September 2028

Respiratory infections can be particularly disruptive for people with aspergillosis, asthma, bronchiectasis or other long-term lung conditions. A cold, flu, COVID-19 or another viral infection can worsen cough, breathlessness, fatigue and mucus production, and may sometimes trigger an exacerbation.

There are no longer routine social-distancing rules in the UK. However, making a few temporary, practical changes when infection levels are high or when someone close to you is unwell can still help reduce your chance of catching a respiratory virus.

Why does close contact matter?

Many respiratory viruses spread when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes. The chance of transmission is usually higher when people are:

in close contact for a long time;
indoors, especially in poorly ventilated spaces;
in crowded settings; or
near someone who is unwell, even if their symptoms seem mild.

People can sometimes pass on a virus before they realise they are ill. This is why sensible precautions can be helpful during winter, during a local outbreak, or when people in your household have respiratory symptoms.

Small changes can make a difference

This does not need to mean avoiding other people or putting your life on hold. It is about choosing proportionate steps that fit your circumstances. You might consider:

meeting outdoors, or choosing a well-ventilated place, when practical;
choosing quieter times for shops, appointments or public transport;
postponing close social contact with someone who has a new cough, fever, sore throat, streaming nose or feels unwell;
opening windows or improving ventilation when people are visiting;
wearing a well-fitting face covering in crowded indoor places if this helps you feel safer;
keeping up to date with vaccinations you are offered, including flu and COVID-19 vaccines where eligible; and
washing hands after close contact with someone who is unwell and before eating or preparing food.

When might you take extra care?

You may choose to be more cautious if you are recovering from an exacerbation or hospital admission, have recently started treatment that affects your immune system, are taking high-dose steroids, or know that respiratory infections usually have a major effect on your lungs.

It can also be sensible to take extra care before an important event, such as surgery, a clinic review, travel or a family occasion. Your own experience matters: many people with aspergillosis become very good at recognising the situations in which they are most likely to pick up an infection.

If you develop respiratory symptoms

Follow the advice in your personal asthma, bronchiectasis or respiratory care plan if you have one. Rest, keep hydrated and use your usual prescribed treatments. If your symptoms are more severe than usual, are getting worse, or you are worried, contact your GP, respiratory team or NHS 111.

Continue your usual prescribed respiratory medicines unless your clinician advises otherwise. Follow your personal asthma, bronchiectasis or respiratory care plan, and seek advice early if your symptoms are worsening, different from usual, or not improving as expected.

Seek urgent help for severe breathlessness, chest pain, blue or grey lips, confusion, coughing up a large amount of blood, or if you feel seriously unwell.

Protecting yourself without becoming isolated

Reducing infection risk should not mean losing the people and activities that matter to you. Social connection, exercise, fresh air and enjoyable routines are all important for wellbeing. The aim is to make informed, temporary adjustments when risk is higher—not to live in permanent isolation.

If worries about infection are stopping you from doing things you value, discuss this with your healthcare team. They can help you find a balance that feels safer and more manageable.