I have “minimal centrilobular emphysema.” I know with emphysema it’s paramount to exercise, eat well, avoid second-hand smoke and avoid respiratory infections. I am so careful to do all of the above but unfortunately my husband and I were on a cruise last week and we both came down with a pretty bad case of the flu and lots of coughing. I’ve since recovered. My question is — have I now sped up the progression of the emphysema because I became sick? Is this a major set-back? What exactly happens when a person with emphysema gets a respiratory infection? Do the holes become larger in the lungs?