If you have asthma, or hay fever, you know you need to do your best to stay healthy. Because when you have asthma, any respiratory infection, like the flu, can affect your lungs, causing inflammation and narrowing of your airways. This can make asthma symptoms much worse. So today, let's talk about this connection between asthma and the flu, and how we can protect ourselves.
Why is the flu dangerous for someone with asthma?
Simply put, asthma is a condition in which your airways are very sensitive. Even the smallest thing can cause them to swell and narrow. Now think about it, the flu is a serious viral infection. This virus directly attacks our respiratory system. So when someone with asthma gets a flu, the already sensitive airways become even more inflamed, swollen, produce excess mucus, and narrow even more. This greatly increases the risk of developing an asthma
attack. Sometimes this condition can even lead to serious complications like
pneumonia . That's why people with asthma need to be especially careful about the flu.
The flu vaccine is the best and simplest way to protect against this risk. It prevents the flu from developing and also prevents asthma symptoms from getting worse.
What are the symptoms of asthma and flu?
If you feel your asthma symptoms are getting worse along with your flu symptoms,
call your doctor right away . Be especially aware of the following symptoms.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing or increased wheezing. |
| Mucus | Yellow or green thick mucus discharge and increased coughing. |
| Fever | A fever of over 101 Fahrenheit (38.3 Celsius) or chills. |
| Body pain | Extreme fatigue, body and muscle pain. |
| Throat infections | Sore throat, scratchiness, or pain when swallowing. |
| Sinus problems | Runny nose, stuffy nose, headache or pain in the sides of the cheeks (Sinusitis). |
Most importantly: If you are having a hard time breathing, don't waste time and go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately .
What should you do if you develop a fever while you have asthma?
If you have flu symptoms, the first thing to do is talk to your doctor. He or she will give you the advice you need to prevent your asthma from getting worse.
- Your doctor may prescribe antiviral medicine to reduce the symptoms of the flu.
- You may also be asked to make changes to your Asthma Action Plan , which is a set of instructions that your doctor has developed specifically for you to help you manage your asthma .
- Also, continue to check your Peak Flow Rate regularly to see if your breathing is in the 'safe zone'.
How can you avoid infections that aggravate asthma?
The best thing to do is to protect yourself. Here are some simple things you can do.
- Wash your hands often: Good hygiene is the best way to prevent viral infections . Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Be sure to wash your hands after going out, after touching public places, and before eating.
- Get a flu shot :Talk to your doctor about getting a flu shot every year. In addition, discuss the possibility of getting the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine . This can protect against bacterial pneumonia, which can be dangerous for people with asthma.
- Prevent Sinusitis: Be aware of the symptoms of sinus infections. If you have any of these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. Sinus infections can trigger asthma.
- Do not share asthma medications or equipment: Never share your asthma equipment, such as an inhaler or nebulizer , with others.
What types of flu vaccines are available?
There are two main types of flu vaccines:
the injection (flu shot) and
the nasal spray .
Important for people with asthma: You should get the flu shot. It uses an inactive virus. So it doesn't cause the flu. Nasal sprays like FluMist contain weakened live viruses, so they're not recommended for people with asthma. So remember that the shot (flu shot) is the one that's right for you.
In addition, there are several other options:
- Intradermal shots: These use small needles that only penetrate the top layer of the skin.
- For those with egg allergies: There are now vaccines made without eggs.
- High-dose vaccines: These are designed to provide better protection for people over the age of 65.
Who should get the flu vaccine?
It is generally recommended that everyone over the age of 6 months get a flu shot every year. However, there are some groups of people who are especially at risk of complications from the flu.
- Pregnant mothers
- Children under 5 years of age (especially those under 2 years of age)
- Adults over 50 years of age
- Adults and children with other chronic diseases , including asthma
- Those who care for people in the above risk groups (healthcare workers, caregivers of young children)
- Adults living in places like nursing homes
If you have asthma, you are also in this
risk group , so it is very important to get vaccinated.
Take-Home Message
- If you have asthma, the flu is not something to take lightly. It can worsen your asthma.
- Be aware of warning signs such as difficulty breathing, increased chest noise, and yellow/green mucus. If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor immediately.
- Get a flu shot every year, as recommended by your doctor. The nasal spray is not suitable for you.
- Protect yourself from viral infections by practicing simple hygiene habits, such as washing your hands frequently with soap.
- Always follow the Asthma Action Plan provided by your doctor.
Asthma, flu, colds, respiratory diseases, flu vaccine, pneumonia, respiratory infections
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