Upcoming Events and Notices
For events not listed here please see the "Event Calendar" listed on this site. If you would like to add your event please contact the WVAEPP Manager or Coordinator.
WVAC 2011-2012 Activity Calendar - Revised on Sept 28, 2011
Asthma & COPD Awareness Day at the State Capitol - January 25, 2012
FLU FAST FACTS
Per National Asthma Treatment Guidelines it is recommended that every individual with asthma, age 6 months and older, should receive a FLU SHOT each year. The current flu vaccine contains a strain of the 2009 H1N1 virus (swine flu) in addition to two other strains.
Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?
People who received the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine are recommended to receive the current seasonal vaccine also. Infants, older persons and people with chronic medical conditions (cardiac, respiratory, metabolic) are at a greater risk of severe influenza infections. Vaccination is especially important for these higher risk persons which means it is important to people who have close contact with people in these groups such as caregivers, medical professionals, daycare staff, etc.
It is never too early or too late to get vaccinated in any flu season. Getting the vaccine early means you will be protected if the flu season arrives earlier than usual. In recent years, the flu seasons has occurred in January or the months following.
In addition, for those individuals with asthma who have a history of pneumonia and/or have multiple chronic health issues, they should also consider getting a pneumonia vaccine. Discuss these options with your physician today!!!
Asthma-Related Flu Information
Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year.
In 2009-2010, a new and very different flu virus (called 2009 H1N1) spread worldwide causing the first flu pandemic in more than 40 years. During the 2010-2011 flu season, CDC expects the 2009 H1N1 virus to cause illness again along with other influenza viruses. The 2010-2011 flu vaccine will protect against 2009 H1N1 and two other influenza viruses.
Of those admitted to the hospital with 2009 H1N1 illness, asthma was the most common chronic condition followed by diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pregnancy, neurological disorders (including stroke or seizure disorders in adults), and neuromuscular disorders. People who were morbidly obese (extremely overweight) also appeared to be at higher risk for severe 2009 H1N1 complications.
Flu shots are our strongest defense against the flu but there are other important preventive 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 the flu vaccine, people with asthma should have an updated asthma action plan developed by their health care provider for daily treatment and control of worsening asthma 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 easy to get to 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.
www.cdc.gov/flu/
www.flu.gov
Asthma e-cards are available on the CDC website. Send them to co-workers, friends and family to improve asthma awareness!
Other Articles of Interest
Taxation is leading factor in fight against tobacco use - article in examiner.com recognizing the efforts in West Virginia in regards to the WVAEPP and the WV Division of Tobacco Prevention
Has your inhaler been changed? - the change of the propellent CFC to HFA in your quick-relief/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!
WVU to help school nurses deal with asthma - WVU School of Nursing to offer online training in 2009
Additional Information
Asthma Terms and Definitions