Experts say influenza vaccine a must for asthmatics
23 May 2001
With the influenza season fast approaching, the National Asthma Council (NAC) and the Influenza Specialist Group (ISG), are working together to encourage people in at-risk groups for influenza, such as those with asthma, and people aged over 65, to be vaccinated against the ’flu.
Although practically anyone can fall victim to the ’flu, there are some groups who are particularly vulnerable to it and are more likely to be severely affected. Viral infections such as influenza can result in increased asthma symptoms and other serious complications, such as pneumonia.
In fact, protection against influenza can be as important as using an inhaler for the 2 million-plus Australians with asthma.
‘The airways of people with asthma can remain hypersensitive for up to 18 months after an attack and are extremely vulnerable to further problems. The combination of this, along with influenza, could be devastating. Protecting against this illness is as important as taking your medication’, said NAC Chairman Dr Ron Tomlins.
As many as one in 5 Australians may catch influenza each year. The infection is responsible for thousands of hospital admissions due to complications, complications which in turn result in between 1500 and 2000 deaths a year.
The NAC and ISG are promoting the message that people with asthma and those around them should incorporate annual influenza vaccination into their asthma management plan.
ISG spokesperson Alan Hampson explained that it is not just people with asthma who should be vaccinated.
‘Vaccination is also recommended for the families of people with asthma, in a bid to stop the spread of the debilitating illness,’ he said.
‘We may be on the brink of the ’flu season but it is never too late for a vaccination, and we would actively encourage people to take up the opportunity.’
The NAC and ISG have released a brochure outlining the importance of the influenza vaccination and of looking after asthma in the winter, which is available from doctor’s surgeries, hospitals and pharmacies around Australia.
Last Reviewed: 29 October 2001
