The importance of preventing flu in people with asthma

Asthma is a disease of the lungs caused by chronic inflammation of the respiratory tract. Generally, people with asthma have sensitive airways and are much more susceptible to problems, including the flu. Why should the flu in people with asthma be more aware of? How to handle it properly?

The risk of catching the flu is higher in people with asthma

Influenza (flu) can be a more serious problem for people who have asthma even if their asthma is still in the mild category or the symptoms can be controlled with asthma medication.

This is because people with asthma usually have swollen and sensitive airways. Influenza can make inflammation of the respiratory tract worse.

Influenza infection in the lungs can trigger asthma attacks and worsen asthma symptoms. It can also lead to pneumonia and various other acute respiratory diseases, and even the risk of complications from asthma.

In fact, adults and children with asthma can be at an increased risk of developing pneumonia after falling ill with the flu, compared to those without asthma. Asthma accompanied by flu is the most common medical condition that occurs in children in hospital. Both are also the main causes of adult asthma patients undergoing hospitalization.

The importance of flu vaccination in people with asthma

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) America, vaccination is the first and most important step to protect yourself from influenza. All people aged 6 years and over who have asthma are required to have the flu vaccine.

You can get flu vaccines in many places including hospitals, clinics and other health centers.

There are several types of flu vaccines that can be given to people with asthma. However, you have to know the type to be right on target.

1. The nasal spray vaccine

The nasal spray vaccine is allowed for use in people aged 2 years to 49 years. However, children 2-4 years of age who have asthma or who have a history of wheezing in the past 12 months are not allowed to get the nasal spray vaccine.

People of any age with asthma can have a higher risk of developing wheezing after having the nasal spray vaccine. In addition, the safety factor of the nasal spray vaccine for people with lung disease and several other risky health conditions has not been determined.

2. Flu injection

The flu vaccine in injection form is made from a flu virus that is no longer active. Its use has also been approved to be used by sufferers aged 6 years and over with any health conditions, including asthma. The flu injection has long-term protection for people with asthma.

3. Pneumococcal vaccine

Pneumococcal is a serious complication of influenza infection. This flu complication is at risk of causing death, especially in people with asthma.

Therefore, it is recommended for people with asthma to get the pneumococcal vaccine. This vaccine can be given at the same time as the influenza vaccine.

Other flu prevention steps in people with asthma

Apart from getting the flu vaccination, people with asthma also need to take other, no less important measures to avoid the flu. Here are some steps to prevent flu in people with asthma:

• Stay home when you are sick, except for going outside for treatment. Avoid being close to other people who are also sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue away immediately. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze over your elbows or arms, not with your bare hands.
• Wash your hands properly and thoroughly as often as possible using soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth (germs spread that way)
• Clean and sanitize frequently touched surfaces at home, work and school, especially when someone is sick.

Cold medicine that is suitable for people with asthma

If you have taken various precautions but flu symptoms start to appear, there is no need to worry. Try consulting a doctor. You may be given medication, such as antiviral medication.

Antiviral medication is usually given as soon as possible because it works most effectively when new symptoms appear (about 48 hours after symptoms appear).

Antiviral drugs can make the complaints you feel from the flu lighter and can make you feel better quickly. This treatment also prevents other more serious health conditions that stem from the flu.

However, not all antiviral drugs can be used to treat flu in people with asthma. Also reported from the CDC website, antiviral drugs that can be used by people with asthma are:

• oseltamivir (under the trademark Tamiflu)
• peramivir (under the trademark Rapivab)

You can get both of these drugs through a doctor's prescription. Oseltamivir and peramivir are believed to prevent serious health problems due to flu attacks in people with asthma.

Meanwhile, other types of antiviral such as zanamivir should not be given to people with asthma to treat flu. Zanamivir is at risk of causing wheezing in people who have asthma or other lung problems.

In addition, to relieve flu symptoms such as headaches and fever, you can also take painkillers, such as paracetamol. However, make sure you are not taking NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and aspirin. This is because NSAIDs can worsen asthma symptoms.