Swine flu hospital admissions: 25% have asthma
02 October 2009

New figures released by the Department of Health show that 25% of people hospitalised with swine flu have asthma.

Cher Piddock, Lead Asthma Nurse at Asthma UK said: 'This is a very concerning figure and highlights the need for people with asthma to have the swine flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available.

'We know that there is a risk for people with asthma that catching the virus could add to existing breathing difficulties they may have, which could then lead to a hospital admission.

'Our advice to help people with asthma protect themselves, as well as getting the vaccine, is to make sure that their condition is well-controlled. They can do this by using their preventer inhaler as prescribed, seeing their doctor or asthma nurse for an asthma review and getting a Personal Asthma Action Plan which gives information on what to do if your asthma gets worse or in an emergency.'