The flu risks for people withasthmaare significant, including an increased likelihood ofsevere asthma attacksand potentially serious complications likepneumonia.
Getting theannual flu shotis arguably the best way to minimize the risks.
Of these, 21% require treatment in anintensive care unit (ICU)for potentially life-threateninginfluenza complications.
Verywell / Ellen Lindner
Of these, influenza is believed to contribute to more than 80% of attacks.
Symptoms include chest pain, fever, difficulty breathing, and a persistent cough.
In severe cases, pneumonia can lead to death due toacute respiratory failureandsepsis.
People with asthma are at a far greater risk of pneumonia compared to the general population.
Among children and adults with asthma, pneumonia remains the leading cause of hospitalization and ICU care overall.
The reasons for the increased risk are not entirely clear.
Certain asthma drugs, likesteroid inhalers, can do the same.
On average, nearly 10 people die from asthma each day in the United States.
In such cases, more aggressive treatments may be needed, includinginhaled or oral corticosteroids(steroids).
For these individuals, treatment changes may be needed, including the regular use of inhaled steroids andlong-acting beta-agonists.
People with severe asthma can also opt for antiviral therapy if they believe they were exposed to the flu.
Even people with mild asthma may be affected and find it harder to control asthma symptoms.
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