Flu season and who should receive the vaccine?

Question

Should those who have asthma get a flu shot?

Answer 1

In the UK, the Department of Health issue the following recommendations...

3. The Department of Health wrote to all doctors in August advising them of the new policy to offer flu vaccine to all people aged 75 and over. Immunisation is recommended for:

i. Those of any age with

chronic respiratory disease, including asthma
chronic heart disease
chronic renal failure
diabetes mellitus
immunosuppression due to disease or treatment
ii all aged 75 and over

iii all in long stay residential accommodation where influenza, once introduced, may spread rapidly.

Routine influenza immunisation is not recommended for healthy children or adults under 75 years, or for particular occupational groups

Answer 2

Anyone who is healthy should not get the flu shot. The elderly, pregnant women, and in some cases young children, should receive the vaccination. If you have severe asthma with a history of bronchial infections your doctor might advise you to get the flu shot.

Vaccinating a population in this manner, because its not a means for wiping out the virus, but simply gives you the upper hand to fight it, only results in more complex mutations of the virus.

We've already seen this, there are countless new flu strands (and ones still on the verge of changing, such as bird flu) that have mutated to the point that they are completely unstoppable by conventional vaccines. This cycle continues until eventually what was a potentially hazardous illness with only comparative few major complications becomes something that the human body has absolutely no defense for. This is where pandemics and world wide population loss stem from.

Ask your doctor about your particular situation and get his advice. There is such a shortage of the vaccine most years that they try to save it for those who simply wouldnt survive without it.

Answer 3

If you are 50 years old or older
Ages 6 months through 59 months
Ages 5 years and older having any of the following conditions which put them at high risk:
A chronic lung or heart disorder, including asthma
A chronic disease of the blood, kidney or immune system
Diabetes that has required hospitalization within the past year
A problem handling respiratory secretions
Pregnancy during the upcoming flu season
A child or teen receiving aspirin therapy
Anyone living in a nursing home or other chronic care facility
Anyone likely to transmit the virus to anyone who falls into one of the high risk groups above
Of course, anyone who wants to protect themselves or their family can get vaccinated.


From above, so the general idea is that if one has asthma, one should get the vaccine. But better to consult a doctor 1st.


Hope it helps.

Answer 4

Yes, anyone with lung problems, weak immune system, elderly, very young should all get a flu shot. Recent news stated they should have enough flu vaccine to go around this year.

Answer 5

My understanding is that asthmatics should be right up in the front of the line with the elderly. The flu will exasperate the asthma.

Answer 6

Answer s such as small children, people with lung disease and the elderly. I think much illness would be reduced and the risk of spreading it would be accomplished if all of us got it. Let"s face it if anyone of us works in close quarters, shops in Malls or is exposed to the public . You are at risk. I was healthy at 21 got a flu and ended up with pneumonia and a relapse. Meaning I had it twice in one season. I have been getting the shot since. {30 years]

Answer 7

It's not mandatory, but if you have asthma it would be a choice.....in my opinion, flu shots do not work because two months after i got mine, i was hospitalized for a rare type of flu. Mainly just pregnant women and old people need it...

Answer 8

If your were a severe asthmatic, I would certainly recommend getting a flu shot. I would recommend if you are able to get a flu vaccine, then do so.

Answer 9

Actually your doc may suggest it for asthma patients but generally speaking the rule is children under 5 and the elderly.....and people with low immune systems!

Answer 10

All the vulnerable ones with heart disease, diabetes and respiratory ailments plus the first responders (health professionals). My son has asthma and he gets one every year as prescribed.