Upcoming Events
For events not listed here please see the Event Calendar. If you would like to add your event please contact WVAEPP staff.
WVAC Winter Meeting – February 21, 2013 (Thursday), to be held in Charleston, WV. More details to follow closer to the meeting date.
Annual Asthma & COPD Awareness Day – February 22, 2013 (Friday) at the State Capitol during the Legislative Session. Please contact the WVAC Manager, Christine Compton, at ccompton@lunginfo.org, or by calling 304-342-6600, for details on becoming a vendor, volunteer, or sponsor of this event. Vendor Registration form
Fight for Air Climb – March 23, 2013 (Saturday) – The American Lung Association in West Virginia is hosting their 2nd Annual Competitive Stair Climb from 8am-12p at Marshall University’s Football Stadium. Contact Chaste Truman Barclay at cbarclay@lunginfo.org or call 304-342-6600. Registration Link
Spirometry lung testing and Asthma and COPD Information – May 31, 2013 (Friday) – UC School of Pharmacy clinic. Lung function testing will be provided
Health Screenings and Education
PharmUC – the University of Charleston School of Pharmacy outpatient clinic, located in Charleston, WV, offers free education and health screenings throughout the year. Visit their website for more information.
Asthma e-cards
Send them to co-workers, friends and family to raise awareness of asthma
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Know Your Asthma Triggers: click here
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They Count on You: click here
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Asthma and the Flu: click here
Find a Flu Shot Location
Click Here – National list of flu shot locations
FLU Facts
National Asthma Treatment Guidelines recommends every person with asthma, age 6 months and older, should receive a FLU shot each year. The current flu vaccine contains a strain of the H1N1 virus (swine flu) in addition to two other strains.
Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?
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People six months of age and older
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Older persons (older than 65)
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People with chronic medical conditions (cardiac, respiratory, metabolic) especially those with Asthma, COPD, Emphysema, and other lung diseases
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Caregivers and health care providers – who can pass the illness to those with chronic illnesses and weak immune systems
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.
Pneumonia Vaccine – those with asthma or who have a history of pneumonia and/or have multiple chronic health issues should consider getting a pneumonia vaccine. Discuss this 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 getting the flu is by getting vaccinated each year.
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 getting the flu vaccine, people with asthma should have an asthma action plan made by their doctor to show daily treatment and what to do for worsening asthma symptoms. Parents of children with asthma should make sure that an updated asthma action plan is on file at their child’s school (and daycare) and that the plan and medications are easy to get to if needed.
For more flu information go to:
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
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
Additional Information
Asthma Terms and Definitions