World Asthma Day is a good reminder for people with asthma to get their annual flu vaccination

This World Asthma Day, Tuesday 5 May, the National Asthma Council Australia is reminding the 2.8 million Australians with asthma to get their annual flu vaccination.

Clinical Associate Professor Debbie Rigby, Clinical Executive Lead, National Asthma Council Australia, said the new, fast-moving strain of influenza dubbed "Super-K" is circulating and this could have significant implications for people with asthma.

“The National Asthma Council Australia is recommending that people with asthma get a flu shot to provide the best possible protection before the peak winter season from June to September.

“The risk of catching a respiratory virus increases during winter as people spend more time together indoors and if you have asthma, any of these viruses can cause a cold which has the potential to develop into an asthma flare-up.

“Seniors who have asthma are already at greater risk of more severe respiratory viral disease, so they are particularly vulnerable,” she said.

With at least 80% of asthma flare-ups caused by viral infection, Associate Professor Rigby said the flu vaccine will be key to helping reduce the risk of respiratory viruses infections this winter.

“It is best to take a proactive approach now and schedule an asthma check-up at the doctor to review your asthma action plan.

“Asthma management guidelines have changed in the latest update of the National Asthma Council’s Australian Asthma Handbook and it is essential that adults and adolescents with asthma receive a correct diagnosis and receive treatment with an anti-inflammatory inhaled corticosteroid-containing regimen.

“The new guidelines also recommend that most children with asthma should use inhaled corticosteroids that treat the underlying inflammation, not just a blue puffer that only relieves symptoms.

“This will help airways to be less inflamed and sensitive, which helps to resist the effects of viral infections that can trigger serious asthma flares,” said Associate Professor Rigby.

This World Asthma Day, people with asthma can help to better manage their asthma by:

• Having annual asthma check-ups
• Following your personal written asthma action plan developed together with your doctor
• Using your medicines wisely — tell your doctor if you have been using your blue reliever puffer more than two days a week or are having asthma symptoms at night
• If you have been prescribed a maintenance preventer make sure you use it - even if you feel well
• Check with your GP, pharmacist or nurse that you are using your puffer or inhaler device correctly or view the National Asthma Council’s ‘how-to’ videos online.

World Asthma Dayis an initiative of the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) and the theme for 2026 is ‘Access to anti-inflammatory inhalers for everyone with asthma – still an urgent need’.

For further information or an interview with a National Asthma Council Australia spokesperson, please contact:

Donna Le Page, Le Page PR

Mobile: 0429 825 703 or Email: [email protected]

The National Asthma Council Australia is a collaboration of four member organisations (APNA, ASCIA, PSA and RACGP) and the national trusted authority for asthma knowledge. We set and disseminate the standards for asthma care through our responsive and evidence-based asthma guidelines - the Australian Asthma Handbook and resources for primary health care professionals. Our Sensitive Choice program empowers consumers to identify asthma and allergy-aware products and services.