You and the flu vaccination

If you’ve ever had flu, you’ll know it’s much worse than just a bad cold (or even man flu). The aches, the shivers and the fatigue can keep you in bed for days.

But if you have a lung condition as well – even something like fairly mild asthma – flu can trigger symptoms that could leave you fighting for breath.

Getting the flu vaccination is one important way you can protect yourself this winter. It’s proven to reduce the numbers of people needing GP or hospital care. Flu viruses are constantly changing, so each year the vaccine is changed to match the flu viruses likely to be circulating. And just for the record, the flu vaccine for adults doesn’t contain any live virus, so it’s impossible to catch flu from the vaccine.

This year it’s more important than ever to get the free flu vaccine, both to protect you and those you come into contact with, and because the NHS is facing a busy winter due to COVID-19.

I know that many of you may have questions or concerns, why is why I’m dedicating my next webinar entirely to flu and flu vaccinations. I’ll be covering some of the detail, and hopefully answering questions you may have about:

• The benefits of getting the flu vaccine – especially if you’ve got a lung condition

• Whether you’re eligible for the free flu vaccine this year

• How to get hold of the vaccine and how it might be different this year

• Vaccinating children – whether they should have the injection or the nasal spray.

You can register now to join the webinar and watch along with everyone else. It’s completely free, and there are a number of time slots, so you should find one that suits you.

Imagine a world with no asthma helpline, no research and where asthma has no voice.

As a charity, Asthma UK provides free health advice to millions, we fight for the rights of people with asthma in the corridors of power and we fund ground-breaking research.

COVID-19 has devastated our ability to raise vital funds, so if you've benefited from our free health advice, think asthma needs a voice or believe in asthma research, we need your support now more than ever.

To show how much you care about people with asthma, if you can please make a small donation today. Your support now will be an investment for improving the future for everyone with asthma in the UK.