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Allergy and Asthma Sufferers - Stay Ahead of Flu Season

Along with the cooler weather comes the flu season. If you suffer from allergies and/or asthma, you could be at a higher risk for catching influenza. Having the flu is bad enough, but it can cause your asthma to flare.

Reducing Your Chance of Catching the Flu

It is very easy to catch influenza during the fall and winter months because everyone spends more time indoors. Once someone in your home or workplace catches the flu, it can quickly spread to everyone around them. This can happen with colds and other types of viruses, which can also cause your asthma to flare.

You can reduce the chance of catching the flu by getting a flu shot each year. The shot provides protection against the various flu viruses that are expected to hit each year. Even if you are unlucky enough to still catch the flu, it is likely that your case will be milder if you have had a flu shot. Unfortunately, there aren’t vaccinations that can help you avoid the common cold or other viruses.

Staying on Track with Your Allergies

During the flu season, it is even more important to keep your allergies in check. Mold, which is still around through the fall and sometimes winter, is notorious for triggering allergy-related attacks. Whenever possible, you should try to avoid your allergy triggers to prevent allergic asthma attacks from occurring.

If you are unable to avoid your allergy triggers, you need to make sure that you follow the prevention program that has been prescribed for you by your allergist. You should be taking your inhaled steroids to help keep your sinuses and bronchial tubes clear. Don’t wait to start taking your medication until your allergy symptoms start. Since these medications take time to work, you should begin taking them before and throughout the season for the best results.

Three Steps To Relieve & Fix Allergies

When preventive measures fail to prevent asthma flares, it’s time to discuss what other treatment options may work for you with your allergist. Contacting your allergist is the best way to alleviate your symptoms and find a better treatment plan.

Topics: Allergies

Mark Bubak, M.D.

About the Author: Mark Bubak, M.D.

Dr. Bubak is certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology to care for adults and children with asthma and allergies. He has been active in allergy research and education with special emphasis on new allergy testing and treatment methods. A South Dakota native, his medical degree is from the University of South Dakota School of Medicine, with Allergy and Internal Medicine fellowships at the Mayo Clinic.

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