It’s ironic, isn’t it, that as I write this post reminding you to A) get flu shots for your asthma kids or B) get one for yourself if you have asthma, I haven’t even called my girls’ pediatrician to schedule their flu shots yet?
(sigh)
One of these days, I will get it all together–probably right around the time AG heads off to college, schedules her own appointments, fills her own prescriptions, and basically doesn’t need me to be organized about her asthma anymore.
Anyway, if you’re a new Asthma Mom or Dad, here’s why you should schedule flu shots:
People age 65 years and older, people of any age with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women, and young children are more likely to get complications from influenza. Pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections are three examples of complications from flu. – CDC
Plus:
For anyone at high risk, influenza is a very serious illness. These populations include those who. . . . Have chronic lung disease such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, tuberculosis, or cystic fibrosis. – American Lung Association
Did you also know that getting the flu shot while you’re pregnant will protect your baby until she’s six months-old?
I didn’t.
In fact, this new research out of Johns Hopkins is the first to prove any kind of protection for the baby in utero. That’s big news, since babies cannot get the flu shots themselves until they reach six months and researchers agree we’re due for another flu pandemic. . . . someday.
This year’s vaccine contains three new strains, so it’s predicted to offer more protection than last year’s. Remember, though, that anyone with a severe allergy to chicken eggs should not get a flu shot.
Also, while asthma patients and/or pregnant women should get flu shots, they should not use the FluMist vaccine.
Off topic, thanks for all your incredible feedback yesterday, and I’ve particularly loved reading the emails from those of you who’ve never commented or contacted me before. Please keep it coming! The more input you give me, the better I can tailor next month’s new feature.
How is it flu season already? I usually try to wait til the end of October just so it will last longer through the spring. I hate flu shots… but I’ve gotten them every year since I got Asthma!
Glad you posted this. People of my generation tend to not be excited about the flu ‘cuz we saw so many outbreaks in the 540s and 60s, and heck, we’re still here you know!
I’ll be sure asthma gramps and asthma halmoni get theirs sked!
Well, this kid already had a terrible flu-like virus that kept her out of school for a week–in SEPTEMBER, no less. It usually doesn’t start happening this early, which doesn’t bode well for the rest of the season.
On the other hand, both kids had super-healthy winters last year, so maybe we’re due. (I hope not)
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