Last Updated: 24th July, 2022
Flu Vaccine For Asthmatics: When you do have asthma, you need to be additional vigilant, particularly during the flu season, so it goes without indicating. The flu can worsen asthma symptoms, trigger asthma attacks, and in some cases, seriously damage the lungs These sudden flares of asthma can be prevented by the simple Flu Vaccine. Asthmatic patients should therefore make it a point to go for annual flu shots.
What You Should Know About The Flu Shot And Flu Vaccine For Asthmatics
Flu Shots Doesn’t Worsen Asthma
It is a common misconception among people that flu vaccine makes you sick or exacerbates your asthma symptoms. Numerous studies have proved that the vaccination is quite safe to use. Flu shots reduce the risk of pneumonia, asthma exacerbations, doctor visits, hospitalization, and deaths. It has been reported that the influenza vaccine prevented 59%–78% of asthma attacks responsible for emergency visits and/or hospitalizations.
Injectable Vaccine Is Better Than Spray One
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in India recommends influenza vaccination for people with chronic illnesses such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), bronchial asthma, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, blood disorders, diabetes, cancer and those who are immunocompromized.
When it comes to flu vaccine, there are two options available – flu shot and nasal spray. The flu shot is an injectable one which contains the deadly influenza virus. It is recommended in adults and kids above 6 months of age. The nasal spray, on the other hand, is the one which is sprayed into the nose.
It contains the live virus (which is weak) and may lead to flu-like symptoms. However, there are many restrictions on its use, but is not commonly available in India. This is why the flu shot is considered safe for a larger section of people as compared to the nasal spray.
Take The Pneumococcal Vaccine Along With Flu Shot
Asthma is a respiratory infection which can increase the risk of other respiratory conditions. Pneumococcal pneumonia is one such serious health complication caused due to the flu, which can also lead to death if left untreated. This is why people with asthmatics conditions are advised to take the pneumococcal vaccine to prevent diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis, and other infections.
The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) recommends annual influenza vaccination for everyone who is 6 months and older. In addition to taking asthma medications on time, it is important to avoid triggers and devise an action plan to prevent asthmatic flares in the long run.
The effectiveness of the influenza vaccine can vary from year to year, various ages and risk categories, by type of vaccine, as well as by type and subtype of the virus. Ask your doctor to know more about influenza vaccination today!
