MILWAUKEE-Although the flu season is still a few months away, now is the time for the nation's 17 million asthmatics to protect themselves from the influenza virus. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) and the American Thoracic Society (ATS) recommend that patients with asthma and respiratory diseases, and others at risk receive the influenza vaccine, or "flu shot," to minimize the possibility of catching this year's virus.

The symptoms of influenza, which include fever, chills, generalized muscle pains, headache, fatigue and cough, can be especially severe for patients with respiratory diseases such as asthma. Additionally, influenza may make patients more susceptible to pneumonia. In severe cases influenza can be fatal.

Patients often wait until they are exposed to the influenza virus to get immunized, however, the optimal time for patients to receive the shot is before they are exposed to the virus. The vaccination, which is covered by Medicare, begins offering protection about two weeks after it is administered. Typically, influenza cases peak in January and February. Getting the flu shot now gives your body time to build immunity to the strains of influenza predicted to be most prevalent in the months to follow.

"Asthmatics can be especially hard hit by influenza," states James Sublett, M.D., National Medical Director for Vivra Asthma &Allergy. "It is especially important for an individual with asthma to get the influenza vaccine now and not wait until the flu hits. In addition to dealing with all of the miserable symptoms of fever, body aches, upper respiratory and chest symptoms, for the asthmatic it can exacerbate their asthma causing a severe attack."

The following groups are at risk and should get the influenza vaccine ("flu shot"):

• Those age 65 and older;
• Residents of long-term care facilities;
• Patients with chronic health conditions such as asthma, lung disease, emphysema, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, anemia and blood disorders, immune deficiency, AIDS;
• Patients undergoing treatments such as cortisone therapy, cancer treatment, aspirin treatment (Children on aspirin can develop Reyes Syndrome if they catch influenza.);
• Pregnant women;
• Physicians, nurses and others in the health care industry;
• Anyone coming in close contact with people at risk.

The flu shot does pose some concern for people allergic to eggs. The influenza vaccine is grown in chicken eggs. Although almost all of the egg protein is filtered out of the vaccine, people with egg allergy should check with their allergist before receiving the flu shot. If you have any questions about the influenza vaccine call your allergist today. Now is the time to call and make your appointment to protect yourself from the next seasonal outbreak.

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