Please view the following for updated information on vaccinations, medications, new products, fun facts, and other changes that involve people with asthma.
Asthma-Related Flu Information
- Most people who get the flu (either seasonal or 2009 H1N1) will have mild illness, will not need medical care or antiviral drugs, and will recover in less than two weeks. People with asthma are at high risk for flu-related complications that can result in being hospitalized and occasionally may result death. Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections and ear infections are examples of flu-related complications, and people with asthma may experience asthma attacks while they have the flu.
People with asthma should be vaccinated against both seasonal flu and H1N1 flu as soon as the vaccines become available. Separate shots are needed to be protected from both seasonal and H1N1 flu.
Flu shots are our strongest defense against the flu but there are other important preventative actions you can take to prevent the spread of the flu such as:
- Stay home when you are sick;
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Then throw the tissue away. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder not your bare hand;
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth (germs are spread that way).
In addition to receiving vaccines for both seasonal and H1N1 flu, people with asthma should have an updated asthma action plan developed by their health care provider for daily treatment and control of worsening symptoms. Parents of children with asthma should ensure that an updated asthma action plan is on file at their child’s school and that the plan and medications are readily accessible if needed.
For more flu information specific to people with asthma go to:
Asthma and the Flu - a one page flyer on Seasonal and H1N1 influenza.
http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/asthma.htm
CDC website with detailed H1N1 and vaccine information for people with asthma and parents of children with asthma.
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/asthma_clinicians.htm
CDC website with information for clinicians on patients with asthma and H1N1 virus
http://www.cdc.gov/asthma/flu.html
CDC website on flu vaccines for people with asthma
Other Asthma Topics:
Asthma e-cards have recently been posted on the CDC website. Send them to co-workers, friends and family to improve asthma awareness!
WVU to help school nurses deal with asthma - WVU School of Nursing to offer online training in 2009
Has your inhaler been changed? - the change of the propellent CFC to HFA in your rescue inhaler, how does it affect you and your medication?
How to save money on your Albuterol HFA or Xopenex inhalers - information from a variety of sites from About.com
GlaxoSmithKline and Wal-Mart to offer $9 Rescue Inhaler - ReliOn Ventolin available only at Wal-Mart, Sams Club, and Neighborhood Market in 2009. This less expensive inhaler only has 60 puffs as opposed to the standard 200 puffs for Ventolin, Proventil or ProAir inhalers. However, this can be a good buy if used solely as a rescue drug for asthma or other lung diseases.
Third-Hand Smoke: The New Cigarette Hazard - Doctors from MassGeneral Hospital for Children in Boston coined the term “third-hand smoke” to describe these chemicals in a new study that focused on the risks they pose to infants and children. The study was published in the January 2009 issue of the journal Pediatrics.
New Findings Add to the Complexity of Asthma Treatment - Experts increasingly view asthma as a condition that encompasses many diseases.
Avoiding Tobacco Smoke Helps Manage Childhood Asthma - Study supports efforts to educate parents about tobacco smoke's impact on their child's asthma: Avoidance of environmental tobacco smoke can significantly reduce hospitalizations, emergency department visits and episodes of poor asthma control in children with the disease.
An Olympic Multi-Gold Medalist's Sweet Victory: Triumphs Over Lifelong Asthma - view the story here!
Additional Information
Asthma Terms and Definitions