Asthma and 2009 H1N1 Flu

 

A person with asthma who gets any type of flu has a greater chance for developing serious health complications from the infection. Compared with people in general who get 2009 H1N1 flu, people with asthma with 2009 H1N1 flu are more likely to have serious illness, such as pneumonia, and even die from 2009 H1N1 flu. Getting a flu vaccine is the best way to prevent influenza. Anyone with asthma is recommended to get both the seasonal flu vaccine and 2009 H1N1 vaccine.

If you or your child with asthma has flu symptoms, call your doctor right away. Treatment should begin as soon as possible. Antiviral drug treatment works best when started early (within 48 hours after symptoms start).

Flu Shots and People with Asthma

People with asthma should get both the 2009 H1N1 flu shot and the seasonal flu shot because they can get seriously ill from any type of flu. People with asthma should get the "flu shot"—a vaccine made with inactivated (killed) flu virus.  The flu shot is given with a needle, usually in the arm. Both 2009 H1N1 and seasonal flu shots are "killed" vaccines, so you cannot catch the flu from getting these shots. Persons with asthma should not use the nasal spray "FluMist®" vaccine.

Protect Yourself and Others

Take these everyday steps to protect your health

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub*.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Learn how flu spreads and how to care for your family

Read general information about 2009 H1N1 Flu and how other family members can protect themselves

What to do if you have Symptoms of Flu

Influenza, often called the "flu", is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. Flu is thought to spread mostly by the coughing and sneezing of people who are ill with influenza. If you or your child has asthma and you think you or your child has flu, call your doctor right away. If needed, he or she will prescribe an antiviral medicine, Oseltamivir (Tamiflu®), that treats the flu. The medicine is most helpful if it is started soon (within the first 48 hours) after the person with asthma becomes sick. If lab testing for flu was done, treatment should not wait for test results to come back. Start treatment right away.

Talk with your doctor now about how to reach him or her quickly by telephone if you think you have the flu.

Symptoms of influenza can include:

• fever **
• cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• body aches
• headache
• chills
• fatigue
• sometimes diarrhea and vomiting

**Not everyone with flu will have a fever.

Treatment of Flu for People with Asthma

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) is an antiviral drug that can be used to treat 2009 H1N1 flu. To get Oseltamivir (Tamiflu®), a doctor needs to write a prescription. This medicine fights against the flu by keeping flu viruses from making more viruses in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious health problems that can result from flu illness. People with asthma should not use zanamivir (Relenza®), a different antiviral drug, because there is a risk it may cause wheezing in people that already have asthma or other lung problems.

Remember, You Can Control Your Asthma!

If you have asthma, you should follow an updated, written Asthma Action Plan, developed with your doctor. Follow this plan for daily treatment and for controlling your asthma symptoms.

If your child has asthma, make sure that his or her updated, written Asthma Action Plan is on file at school or at the daycare center. Be sure that the plan and medication(s) are easy to get to when needed.

Protect Yourself, Protect Your Family

• Get your flu shots — adults and children with asthma need both the 2009 H1N1 flu shot and the seasonal flu shot.
• Take everyday precautions.
• If you start to feel sick with flu symptoms, call your doctor right away. Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor recommends them.

More Information

• General Information About 2009 H1N1
• Seasonal Flu Information