Flu, flu jabs and asthma
As we move into flu season, our in-house GP, Dr Andy discusses the flu vaccine and why it’s important to prevent the spread of the flu, especially for people with asthma.
Flu vaccine season is upon us. For many people, that will mean booking an appointment with their GP surgery or pharmacist. For me, it means offering a flu jab to everyone eligible who visits our surgery.
The flu clinics are usually good fun. Not only am I seeing patients and families that I might not have seen for a while (and when they are well!) but they are often more relaxed than our usual clinics. We also know that by doing them, we are protecting many, many people from the effects of flu and helping to reduce the additional strains on the NHS that a bad flu epidemic would cause.
75% of people with asthma recognise that colds and flu can be a trigger for them. Flu can also lead to chest infections and pneumonia. Too many people each year end up ill and in hospital, and even die from complications of flu. It’s crucial that we do what we can to prevent it spreading.
Managing your asthma in flu season
If you have asthma, make sure that you are taking all your medicines as prescribed. Take any preventer medicines regularly and correctly (you may want to watch our videos to check you’re getting the most out of your inhalers). If you have an asthma action plan, check that it is in date and that you know what to do if you become unwell.
Make sure that you carry your reliever inhaler with you at all times. Most importantly, do not delay seeking help if your asthma gets worse. If you can’t get an urgent same-day appointment, or your GP surgery is closed, call 111 for advice.
Taking care of your asthma will also reduce your risk of having an asthma attack if you catch flu.
How the flu vaccine works
Every time we are exposed to a virus such as flu, or have a vaccine, our immune system learns to recognise and fight that virus. By fighting the virus, our body can avoid getting ill. If we do get ill, it will be less so than if we hadn’t had the flu vaccine, and we can reduce the chance of flu spreading to people we are in contact with.
The body’s immune system’s memory weakens over time, and there are different types of flu going around each year. This means that every year we need a top up to remind us of what the immune system should be protecting us from and cover us for the flu types we are most likely to meet. This is why the flu vaccine is offered annually.
Side effects and myths
The flu vaccine cannot give you flu – this is a myth.
I tell my patients that the flu jab can cause a sore arm and that some people may feel a bit under the weather. This can last a couple of days and can usually be eased by taking paracetamol. You can read more about common fears people with asthma have about the flu vaccine on the Asthma UK website.
Who can have the flu vaccine
Flu vaccines are prioritised for people at the greatest risk from flu, including people with long-term conditions, such as asthma.
You can read more about who should get the free flu vaccine on the Asthma UK flu vaccinations page. This also includes a short video I’ve made, where I talk about why getting the free flu vaccine is a good idea if you have asthma and how the flu vaccine works.
Donate today and help do 3 amazing things
for people with asthma
Asthma UK’s mission is to stop asthma attacks and cure asthma. We do this by funding world leading research, campaigning for improved care and supporting people to reduce their risk of a potentially life-threatening asthma attack. Will you help us do all this and more
