Flu vaccination will lower anyone's chances of getting the flu, but flu vaccination is especially important if you are in a high risk group like those with asthma. Equally important is identifying if you should not get a flu vaccination.
Even though asthmatics are at higher risk of developing complications following a case of the flu, most adults with asthma do not receive an annual flu vaccine. Just over a third of asthmatics actually get the flu vaccine; younger people are significantly less likely to get the flu vaccine compared to older sufferers. It is surprising that vaccination rates are so low, given that the flu vaccine is the single best way to prevent catching the flu.
If I Have Asthma, Why Is Flu Vaccination Important?
Respiratory infections like the flu are more serious in asthma patients compared to patients with healthy lungs. The flu virus causes swelling and inflammation in the lungs that may lead to worsening symptoms such as:
Not only can the flu cause your asthma symptoms to worsen and flare, but the flu can also lead to pneumonia and other acute respiratory problems. In fact, adults and children with asthma are more likely to be hospitalized with acute respiratory illnesses than patients without asthma during flu outbreaks. Flu vaccination significantly decreases your chances of developing flu complications.
Flu Vaccination: High Risk Groups
In addition to those with asthma, the following are also high risk because of their health or their potential for exposure to the flu:
- Children ages 6 months to 19 years
- Pregnant women
- People age 50 and older
- People of any age with other chronic medical conditions
- Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
- Certain high-risk groups including:
- Health care workers
- People living with those at high risk for complications from flu, like cancer patients or others with suppressed immune systems
- People who live with or care for children less than 6 months of age
Flu Vaccination: Who Should Not Be Vaccinated
Importantly, the flu vaccination is not for everyone. Flu vaccination is not approved for children less than 6 months of age. While most other people can receive a flu vaccine, you need to discuss flu vaccination with your health care provide if you:
- Have a severe egg allergy
- Have previously had a severe reaction with flu vaccination
- Developed Guillain-Barre within 6 weeks of getting flu vaccination previously
- Have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever; you should wait until you recover to get vaccinated
Sources:
Centers For Disease Control & Prevention. Accessed September 25, 2009. Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine
Ford ES, Mannino DM, Williams AG. Accessed September 25, 2009. Asthma and Influenza Vaccination Chest September 2003 vol. 124 no. 3 783-789.
