OnAir Winter 2016

ASTHMA, THE
FLU AND YOU
Influenza, or the flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that infects the
respiratory tract (nose, throat and lungs). It spreads easily from person to
person through the air by coughing or sneezing, or by direct contact with the
virus on hard surfaces or people’s hands. You can’t see it but it is there.
Australian flu outbreaks are generally seasonal, occurring between May and
September.
Symptoms of flu can include:
• High fever • Sore throat
• Dry cough • Feeling unwell
• Headache • Muscle and joint pain
How will the flu impact asthma?
The flu and other viral infections are the most common
trigger for asthma flare-ups. People with asthma who
contract influenza are at a higher risk of experiencing
complications.
These complications can include:
• more severe asthma flare-ups,
• pneumonia, bronchitis, ear infections,
• days lost from work and school,
• hospitalisation and even death.
What can you do?
The best way to protect yourself from the flu and
spreading it to others is annual flu vaccination.
The flu virus is constantly changing, so it is important
to have the flu vaccine every year. It is best to be
vaccinated in autumn so your body has time to protect
itself before the flu season starts. This will ensure you
and your family are protected against the most recent
flu virus strains that may be around. The flu vaccine is
recommended for everyone from six months of age.
Everyone with asthma and their family members should
be immunised against the flu.
People who are most at risk of influenza and its
complications can access the vaccine free under the
National Immunisation Program. These are:
• People aged 65 years and over
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six
months to less than five years
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are
15 years and over
• Pregnant women
• People aged six months and over with medical
conditions such as severe asthma
Stop the spread of flu
• Wash your hands regularly and properly with soap
and water, particularly after touching your nose or
mouth and before handling food
• Sneeze and cough into tissues or your elbow, not
directly into your hands, to prevent the spread of
germs (Tissues should be thrown away immediately
and hands washed)
• Clean surfaces regularly, especially if someone has
a viral illness
• Do not share personal items
• Try to avoid contact with infected people. If you
can’t, then stand at least one metre away from the
infected person and don’t stand directly opposite
them
• If unwell with flu-like symptoms it is advisable to
stay at home to prevent the germs spreading in the
workplace and the community
Visit your GP for an asthma review to make sure
you’re on the right medicines to manage your asthma,
particularly your preventer and make sure your Asthma
Action Plan is up to date. This will help you recognise
and treat signs of worsening asthma symptoms.
Speak with your GP or pharmacist for further
information about asthma and the flu.
Protect your family and friends who have asthma
– get immunised against influenza.
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