Autumnal Asthma Symptoms and the Seasonal Flu Vaccine.

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Asthma-Essential-Guide-Catherine-Short/dp/1861441630/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474489750&sr=8-1&keywords=catherine+short+need2know

Hi Folks,

I trust you are all well? I thought it would be a good time to post some more useful information about my favourite subject, asthma. Did you know that the autumn months can be a very difficult time for asthmatics?
It's true. This time of year can be a very troublesome time due to the changes in temperature and the  effect of moulds and mildews. Rotting plants and leaves can be a factor too! Also, remember to check your bathroom for mould. This can trigger asthma symptoms.

Also, viral infections such as influenza can aggravate asthmatics, sometimes causing dangerously unstable symptoms. For this reason, all asthmatics are entitled to a flu jab each winter. If you fall into any of  the usual 'at risk groups', you can arrange a free flu vaccine through your G.P surgery. The 'at risk groups' are those people who have asthma, diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease, chronic respiratory disease, those who are immunosuppressed, the very obese, those who have had a stroke and any stage of pregnancy.

Most G.P surgeries in Britain will have received their flu vaccines by now. The vaccine is very safe and protects you against the top 4 flu viruses considered by the World Health Organisation, to be a threat in the Northern Hemisphere. The flu viruses change every winter, so a new vaccine is needed each winter.

Here are some facts about the flu vaccine;

• It is a safe vaccine.
• It is a killed vaccine, therefore cannot give you flu.
• Once immunised, it can take up to three weeks for you to become protected.
• It is important to have the vaccine as soon as possible to build up immunity before flu strikes.
• For children under the age of 18, they can have the nasal flu spray, rather than an injection.
• It is safe during any stage of pregnancy.
• You can get mild side effects which should settle within 24-48 hours

The more common side effects include;

• A mild fever
• Mild discomfort and/or swelling at the injection site
• generalised aches

The flu vaccine is not given to anyone who has a fever, or who has an egg allergy.

If you are interested in being protected, contact your doctors surgery for information.  I've had flu once, six years ago. I was off work for two weeks. During the second week of illness, my asthma became very unstable, so I have the vaccine each year, as soon as I can. I certainly don't want to go through that again!

Take care,

Cathx