ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL – Allergists urge everyone with asthma to get the flu shot before the flu gets them. In patients who have asthma, influenza and other respiratory infections can lead to life-threatening complications such as pneumonia and acute respiratory disease. Each year, flu-related complications in the United States are responsible for more than 100,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths.

Influenza is an upper respiratory illness caused by a variety of viruses. Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat and muscle aches.

People should get their vaccinations between October and November before the height of flu season. Flu vaccines work by prompting the body to make antibodies to protect it when exposed to the virus. It takes about two weeks for the body to make these antibodies. The virus can be spread by infected people even before they have symptoms.

Allergists, physicians who specialize in treating allergies and asthma, also warn that nasal spray flu vaccines, which were introduced in 2003, are not an alternative to the shot for asthmatics. The nasal spray vaccines are approved as safe and effective for healthy people between 5 and 49 years old. But because they contain weakened live viruses, the sprays can trigger asthma symptoms such as wheezing and difficulty breathing. The flu shot contains a killed virus and is safe for use in young children, seniors and those with chronic medical conditions.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most adults with asthma don’t receive an annual flu shot, despite their increased risk for complications. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) recommends that adults and children with asthma make the annual vaccination part of their routine care.

See your doctor if you or your child get sick with flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, fatigue, sore throat, dry cough, nasal congestion and body aches.

For more information about asthma and treatment options, or to find an allergist in your area, call the ACAAI toll free number at (800) 842-7777 or visit its Web site at www.acaai.org.

The ACAAI is a professional medical organization comprising nearly 5,000 qualified allergists-immunologists and related health care professionals. The College is dedicated to the clinical practice of allergy, asthma and immunology through education and research to promote the highest quality of patient care.