You can help the American Lung Association make sure asthmatics get the best prevention for influenza.
Influenza causes extra hospitalizations in people with chronic diseases such as asthma.
For many years, the Lung Association and other health authorities have recommended a flu shot each fall for asthmatics, but many asthmatics do not get the shot because they worry it is not safe, or that it might cause them to have the flu. The recommendation for influenza immunization is based on the best evidence available, but that evidence may not be as strong as asthma patients deserve. This small chance of wheezing could be worthwhile if the shot reduces the risk of much more severe asthma symptoms from a real flu infection. To determine whether any asthmatics really have increased asthma symptoms after influenza immunization, the Lung Association wants to study the vaccine in a large group of asthmatics. If the vaccine proves to be safe in this large study, many asthmatics may feel more comfortable receiving the shot and many flares of asthma caused by the flu may be prevented.