Swine flu advice for people with asthma

The outbreak of swine flu has received a great deal of media coverage in recent weeks. As colds and viral infections are very common asthma triggers, people with asthma need to be especially vigilant.

Symptoms of swine flu appear to be similar to those produced by standard, seasonal flu. These include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills and fatigue.

We have prepared a Swine flu Q&A which we will be updating over the coming months.

Some key advice about swine flu:

• People with asthma are no more likely to catch swine flu than anyone else but if they do catch a respiratory infection like swine flu, it could add to breathing difficulties they may already have.
• Asthma UK recommends that people with asthma have the swine flu vaccine when it becomes available as they are at risk of serious breathing complications related to their condition. 
• It’s important that all people with asthma are prepared and keep their asthma under good control so that if they contract swine flu their asthma does not get worse as a result.
• We advise everyone with asthma to have an up to date Personal Asthma Action Plan. If you don’t have one, ask your GP or asthma nurse. They help control your asthma and include details of your medicine, how to tell your symptoms are getting worse and what to do in an asthma attack.
• To help prevent the spread of swine flu you should remember to cover your nose and mouth with tissues when you cough and sneeze, throw the tissue away and wash your hands thoroughly.

Poll

If you have asthma we want to hear from you. Will you be taking the swine flu vaccine?