Swine flu advice for people with asthma

People with asthma have been urged to be extra vigilant this autumn by the Asthma Society of Ireland.

New figures show that 25% of people hospitalised with swine flu in the UK have asthma.

In additional to seasonal flu, the threat of swine flu poses an additional risk for people with asthma, as numbers of swine flu cases are expected to increase over the coming winter months, the Asthma Society said.

The Asthma Society is advising people to maintain maximum control of their asthma symptoms. It has recommended that people with asthma avail of the seasonal flu vaccine now and to get the swine flu vaccine once it is made available. People with asthma have also been told to visit their GP if they have any flu symptoms to discuss whether they should take anti-virals.

Viral infections such as seasonal flu are a frequent trigger for asthma. The Asthma Society stressed that the first line of defence is to optimise asthma control by taking preventer medication as prescribed. It reminds patients that if they are using their reliever (blue) inhaler more than twice a week their asthma may not be controlled and they should visit their GP to discuss their asthma management plan to see if any adjustments are required and also to check that their medication is still appropriate.

The Asthma Society also stressed that vaccination against seasonal flu, which is currently available, is very important. The swine flu vaccine has been approved for use and will be available to the public shortly. According to the Society, people with asthma should avail of both vaccines as they each protect against a different flu strain.  Both vaccines will be available from your GP and as people with asthma are in the flu ‘at-risk’ category, they will be eligible for priority vaccination.

If a person with asthma does contract swine flu, anti-viral drugs may be prescribed to reduce the duration and severity of symptoms. However, new medical advice issued by the Irish Medicines Board advises that not all anti-viral drugs are suitable for people with asthma. A visit to the GP in the first instance will ensure the correct anti-viral is prescribed, should it be required.

Dr Jean Holohan, CEO of the Asthma Society, stressed the importance of people with asthma being extra vigilant this winter.

“Visit your GP to get your asthma under control and avail of both the seasonal and swine flu vaccines. If you are suffering from flu symptoms, visit your GP to discuss anti-viral treatment if it is appropriate. An anti-viral may help to reduce the symptoms experienced. When visiting your GP to get the flu vaccine, take the opportunity to re-visit your asthma management plan and discuss any concerns you may have.  You may also contact the Asthma Society of Ireland helpline on 1850 44 54 64 or visit www.asthmasociety.ie.”

Almost half a million people in Ireland have asthma. While for many asthma symptoms are reasonably managed, one person dies from asthma every week in Ireland.  The Asthma Society of Ireland is currently working the HSE and the Department of Health along with healthcare professionals to deliver a best practice asthma management programme at primary care level.

For further information on asthma contact your GP or alternatively the Asthma Society of Ireland on 1850 44 54 64 to speak to an Asthma Nurse Specialist or visit www.asthmasociety.ie.

[Posted: Mon 12/10/2009]