Asthma and influenza

Article by Dr Steven Rudolphy,
GP Asthma Group, National Asthma Council Australia

Severe asthmatics should be considered for yearly influenza immunisations

Influenza and asthma are commonly encountered in general practice. Influenza A and B exhibit frequent changes in surface antigen, which require the vaccine to be modified annually. Influenza immunisation is safe for asthmatics, but while evidence suggests that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have reduced exacerbations and hospital admissions from influenza if they receive vaccinations each year, there is no similar evidence for asthmatics.

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