Asthma UK Northern Ireland advice for a flu-free winter
28 September 2007

‘People with asthma are at a greater risk from flu than others because asthma symptoms are often triggered by respiratory infections, so having a flu jab is the sensible option.’

That’s the advice from Erica Evans, Asthma Care Development Manager at Asthma UK as we gear up for winter 2007.

Over 5 million people in the UK have asthma and for 90% of them, colds and flu trigger their asthma symptoms, meaning that having the flu is a major concern. While it is almost impossible to avoid catching the common cold, having a flu jab can help to prevent the virus taking hold.

Erica says: 'Each year we receive a lot of calls to the Asthma UK Adviceline from people with asthma who find that their symptoms are worse in the winter months. Flu is always a worry and prevention is key. We would recommend that anyone with asthma discusses the possibility of having a flu jab with their GP this autumn, before the virus begins to circulate.'

Flu is highly infectious: according to the Department of Health, 100,000 flu particles can be projected into the air with just one sneeze. Given that a sneeze travels at 80 miles per hour and can reach distances of 30 feet away, it's hardly surprising that at least 10% of the population develops flu each year. The flu vaccination offers protection from the virus for a year and is free to people who are most susceptible, including those with asthma.

Autumn is the best time to have a jab and it is also important to have a vaccination every year to protect you against the latest strains of the virus, which is constantly mutating.

'The flu vaccine has been widely used for many years and is both safe and effective with very few side effects,' assures Erica. 'Apart from having the flu vaccine there are other measures that people can take to reduce the effects of colds and viruses on their asthma. Following a written personal asthma action plan so that they know when and how to adjust their treatment if their asthma worsens, is just one such way.

Erica advises: ‘People with asthma should contact their doctor or practice nurse and ask for a personal asthma action plan to be filled out for them. There are also simple steps to take to ensure that your asthma is kept under control’:

• Keep taking your regular medication as prescribed by your doctor
• If you know that cold air triggers your asthma, take a couple of puffs of your reliever inhaler before going outside. Wrap up well and wear a scarf over your nose and mouth – this will help to warm up the air before you breathe it in
• Take extra care when exercising in cold weather. Warm up for 10 – 15 minutes and take a couple of puffs of your reliever inhaler before you start
• Be sensible – if cold air triggers your asthma, it’s probably best not to try that cross country run when it’s chilly outside

For further personal help with your asthma concerns speak to an asthma nurse on the Asthma UK Adviceline, 08457 01 02 03 or visit asthma.org.uk.

1. For further information, contact the Asthma UK Media Office on 020 7786 4949 or at mediaoffice@asthma.org.uk
2. Asthma UK is the charity dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of the 5.2million people with asthma in the UK. Asthma UK works with people with asthma, healthcare professionals and researchers to develop and share expertise to help people increase their understanding and reduce the effect of asthma on their lives.
3. For independent and confidential advice on asthma, call the Asthma UK Adviceline, which is staffed by asthma nurse specialists. It is open weekdays from 9am to 5pm on 08457 01 02 03. Or email an asthma nurse at asthma.org.uk/adviceline.
4. For up-to-date news on asthma, information and publications, visit the Asthma UK website asthma.org.uk