PREVENTATIVE MEASURE

People with asthma are at higher risk of developing lung complications after contracting seasonal influenza.  Since asthmatics already have compromised airways, the influenza virus can worsen existing asthma symptoms and potentially develop into life-threatening pneumonia. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly advises everyone over the age of six months to be inoculated each year to prevent illness.  The CDC further stresses the importance of including the annual flu shot as part of routine asthma care.  Despite this strong health recommendation, only about one-third of the adults suffering from asthma bother to get the annual flu shot.  An allergist can provide more information about the importance of the flu shot in minimizing or preventing the influenza virus.

P.S.  The seasonal flu shots made with inactivated flu virus have a long, established record of being both safe and effective.

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