Vaccinations are also available for conditions such as pneumonia. For more information see our factsheet Vaccination and immunisation. Remember that a cough is one of the first signs that your asthma is not under control. Talk to your doctor or asthma nurse about identifying the things that make your asthma worse. Your doctor can also advise you about using a self management plan to recognise your symptoms and alter your medication when necessary.
Epidemics are common in winter months but can also strike in the spring.
Flu infects up to one hundred million people in the Northern Hemisphere every year. Flu can last at least five days in healthy adults and a month or longer if your resistance is reduced by old age or other health problems. Eight out of ten asthma attacks in children are triggered by upper respiratory tract infections such as colds, sore throats and 'flu. The 'flu virus is transmitted from person to person in virus-laden droplets that are expelled during coughing and sneezing. Symptoms may include a fever, dry cough, sore throat, runny nose, chills, fatigue, headache, loss of appetite and muscle aches.