If you have asthma, you need to take steps to prevent flu. With asthma, any respiratory infection — like flu — can affect your lungs, causing inflammation and airway narrowing. It is important to take preventive measures to stay healthy and be aware of any asthma symptoms, even mild symptoms, so that you avoid an asthma attack or severe asthma emergency.

About 5% to 20% of Americans get the flu each year. More than 200,000 people are hospitalized, and about 36,000 people die, according to the CDC. This is largely due to other infections and complications that can occur when you have the flu, particularly pneumonia.

People with lung problems, including people with symptoms of asthma, are at higher risk of respiratory problems associated with flu. A flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu and subsequent respiratory problems associated with flu and asthma.

What are symptoms of asthma and flu I should be aware of?

Call your doctor if you experience any of the warning signs of the flu, a viral infection that can trigger asthma. Also, call your doctor if you have any other symptoms of an asthma attack that cause concern. Symptoms that should cause concern may include:

increased shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or wheezing
coughing up increased amounts of mucus
yellow- or green-colored mucus
fever (temperature over 101°F) or chills
increased fatigue or weakness
sore throat, scratchy throat, or pain when swallowing
sinus drainage, nasal congestion, headaches, or tenderness along your upper cheekbones

What should I do if I get flu with asthma?

If you have symptoms of flu, call your doctor immediately for advice on how to prevent your asthma symptoms from worsening. Your doctor will do asthma tests to check your breathing and then explain how to use your asthma treatment and asthma medications to reduce your symptoms of asthma.

Make sure you follow the instructions in your written asthma action plan to self-manage asthma and keep asthma symptoms controlled. In addition, continue to check your peak flow rate to make sure your breathing is in the safe zone.

How can I prevent infections that trigger asthma?

There are definite steps you can take to help prevent infections that can trigger asthma symptoms:

Good hygiene can decrease your chance of viral infections such as the flu. Remember to wash your hands frequently throughout the day to get rid of germs that linger on your hands.
Check with your health care provider about receiving a flu shot every year. In addition, discuss the possibility of getting a pneumococcus vaccination. Pneumococcus is a common cause of bacterial pneumonia, an illness that can be particularly serious in a person with asthma.
Sinusitis with asthma can be very serious. Be aware of the symptoms of a sinus infection and report them immediately to your asthma specialist to prevent asthma attacks.
Keep breathing equipment clean. Do not let others use your asthma medications or asthma treatment, including your asthma inhaler, asthma nebulizer, and nebulizer tubing and mouthpiece.

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