MEDIA ALERT: Flu shots important for people with asthma

With the influenza vaccine in short supply, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) recommends that patients with asthma and respiratory disease sign up to receive the flu shot.

The symptoms of influenza, which include fever, chills, generalized muscle pains, headache, fatigue and cough, can be especially severe for patients with respiratory diseases, such as asthma. In some cases, the influenza virus can damage the lungs, and influenza may make patients more susceptible to pneumonia.

Previous research has found that the influenza vaccination decreased the risk of asthma exacerbations in patients by as much as 22% to 41%. Vaccinating all children with asthma could prevent 59% to 78% of asthma hospitalizations and emergency room visits during influenza seasons.

Patients often wait until they are exposed to the influenza virus to get immunized; however, the optimal time for patients to receive the shot is before they are exposed to the virus. The vaccination begins by offering protection about two weeks after it is administered. Typically, influenza cased peak in January and February. Getting the flu shot now gives your body time to build immunity to the strains of influenza predicted to be the most prevalent in the months to follow.

The flu shot does pose some concern for people allergic to eggs. The influenza vaccine is grown in chicken eggs. Although almost all of the egg protein is filtered out of the vaccine, people with egg allergy should check with their allergist before receiving the flu shot.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology is the largest professional medical specialty organization in the United States, representing allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals, and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease. Established in 1943, the AAAAI has nearly 6,000 members in the United States, Canada and 60 other countries.

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For more information or to speak to an allergist/immunologist, contact John Gardner (jgardner@aaaai.org) at (414) 272-6071, or visit the AAAAI's Web site, www.aaaai.org

For more information on the availability of flu shots in your area, please visit the Flu Shot Locator from the American Lung Association.