Asthma and influenza A / H1N1

For people in high-risk groups, including those with asthma, infection with the H1N1 virus is another story because they are always at risk for airway problems in general, not just H1N1.

For many people, the symptoms of influenza A / H1N1 include fever, congestion, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting (slightly different from seasonal flu in seasonal flu rarely causing nausea). In most cases, the disease will recede only with liquids (chicken soup, hot soup, juice .) and rest.

But for people in high-risk groups, including those with asthma, infection with the H1N1 virus is another story because they are always at risk for airway trouble in general, not just H1N1.

People with asthma often have bronchospasm because of allergens such as pollen, fur, bacteria, viruses or other injuries. In the case of a virus infection like H1N1, the lungs produce mucus to attack the bacteria. This mucus will block the airway, 'start up' for pneumonia.

So what to do with people with asthma infected with influenza A / H1N1?

Take medicine for asthma regularly

People with chronic asthma need medication to control asthma to fight pneumonia. The problem is that they need this medicine every day, even if they feel well. It will help protect the lungs from harmful agents, such as viruses.

But many people forget to take medicine or skip doses when they don't have asthma symptoms.

If you or a child in your home has asthma, make sure that the medicine is taken regularly, paying special attention to children over 10 years of age because they already know how to lie when they forget or quit. Parents need to talk to the child and explain to them the dangers of giving up medication.

Vaccination

Being at high risk for H1N1 means that people with asthma should get the vaccine as soon as possible.

For nasal spray, people with asthma need to wait for recommendations from the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or reputable agencies in the country because the vaccine contains the " sick " H1N1 virus.

Awareness

When not vaccinated, people with asthma, especially young children, should avoid high-risk transmission places such as crowded parties, public places .

Also, wash your hands and cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing to protect yourself and those around you.

Not subjective

When children have flu symptoms, it is necessary to immediately notify the doctor who regularly monitors their health.