Locations:
Search IconSearch

Why Asthma Puts You at Greater Risk This Flu Season

Infections, like the flu, are a common asthma trigger

asthma and flu check using spirometer

If you have asthma, flu season may come with a lot of anxiety. People with asthma, even a mild case, are more likely to get serious flu complications.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

But you’re not powerless this flu season. Pulmonologist Nirosshan Thiruchelvam, MD, explains how to protect yourself and stay healthy.

Why flu is an asthma trigger

If you have asthma, you probably already know your triggers (and how to avoid them). Triggers are the things that make asthma flare-up, including:

  • Cigarette smoke.
  • Cleaning chemicals.
  • Dust mites.
  • Exercise.
  • Mold.
  • Pet dander.
  • Pollen.
  • Pollution.

But respiratory infections like the flu are major asthma triggers, too. A respiratory infection, whether it’s the flu or a cold, causes inflammation. And asthma is an inflammatory condition. Together, they deliver an inflammatory onslaught that can cause:

  • Shortness of breath.
  • Increased mucus and phlegm.
  • Coughing.
  • Wheezing.
  • Chest tightness

“Many viruses can trigger asthma, including rhinoviruses and coronaviruses, which cause respiratory infections,” says Dr. Thiruchelvam. “People with asthma can have a more severe illness from the virus. It also takes them longer to recover.”

Maybe you have asthma that’s mild and intermittent. You might think the flu isn’t a big deal. But that’s not the case. “Even if you only use your inhaler occasionally, you’ll still have more flu complications than someone without asthma,” Dr. Thiruchelvam explains. “This can be surprising to people who have mild or intermittent cases.”

Advertisement

Your peak flow can show early signs of trouble

Your peak expiratory flow meter can alert you to problems early during flu season. Dr. Thiruchelvam says that a reduction in peak flow of greater than 20 percent from normal, or from your personal best value, indicates the presence of an asthma exacerbation. Peak flow levels often drop when you come down with the flu — and even when you don’t feel sick. If your peak flow level is low, talk to your healthcare provider. Together, you can discuss management before the flu slams you with symptoms.

“The flu comes on suddenly,” Dr. Thiruchelvam explains. “You might feel fine in the morning, and by afternoon, you feel terrible. Even if you don’t think you’re sick, check your peak flow every day. If it’s low, talk to your doctor. Don’t wait until you notice a problem.”

Follow your asthma action plan

If you have asthma, you should have an asthma action plan. You and your doctor work together to create this plan, which tells you how to manage your asthma. It may include:

  • Asthma medications you take and when to take them.
  • Your triggers and how to avoid them.
  • Your normal peak flow numbers.
  • Symptoms to watch for.
  • Emergency contact numbers.

“Your asthma action plan is important every day, whether it’s flu season or not,” says Dr. Thiruchelvam. “Having your asthma under control gives you a better quality of life.”

Good asthma control is your weapon against flu complications. Good control means you won’t have inflamed, irritated lungs that are trying to battle a nasty flu bug.

You and your doctor should update your asthma action plan every 12 months. If you don’t have a current plan, get an updated one.

Flu prevention tactics

Take steps to reduce your chance of getting the flu. Protect yourself with these proven methods:

  • Flu shot: Everyone ages 6 months and older should get a flu shot every year. The vaccine reduces the risk of being hospitalized and dying from the flu. It’s essential if you have asthma.
  • Wash your hands: Wash your hands with soap and water before eating or preparing food. Wash them after going to the bathroom. Wash them after touching shared surfaces like doorknobs or ATMs. It’s OK to be a handwashing fanatic.
  • Hand sanitizer: When you can’t get to a sink, use hand sanitizer. Keep some in your pocket or purse at all times.
  • Pneumococcal vaccine: Ask your doctor if you’re up to date on this vaccine. It protects against pneumococcal pneumonia, a life-threatening flu complication.
  • Avoid crowds: Avoid crowded stores or large gatherings when possible. Lots of people can mean lots of chances to catch a bug like the flu.
  • Reschedule with sick friends and family: If you know someone is sick, even with just a cold, stay away until they’re better.

Advertisement

Flu, asthma and pregnancy

As if asthma and the flu weren’t enough on their own, pregnancy adds another factor into the mix. Some find that their asthma gets worse during pregnancy.

If you’re pregnant, tell your obstetrician about your asthma. Work with your doctors to keep it under control. And get your flu shot. It’s safe — and recommended — for pregnant people.

No fear this flu season

Flu complications can be serious, but there’s no need to panic. Take steps to protect yourself and stay on top of your asthma. With a little planning and a lot of hand washing, you can stay healthy throughout flu season and beyond.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Hand feeling the temperature on the forehead of a toddler sitting on a couch
October 29, 2024/Children's Health
RSV vs. Pneumonia: Sorting out Your Child’s Fever and Cough

RSV can lead your child to develop pneumonia and have trouble breathing

Person on couch, brows furrowed coughing into hand, with other hand on their chest
What Is Respiratory Season, and Are You Ready?

Getting vaccinated in October can help protect you against severe illness between November and March

Person sitting on chair with laptop wearing a face mask, thinking about others who are touching their faces
October 8, 2024/Mental Health
Hands Off! How To Stop Touching Your Face

Face-touching is a common habit, but one that can be overcome, like by learning to recognize when you’re doing it and keeping your hands distracted

Hand holding nasal swab, pushing it into at-home COVID/flu test vial on counter in bathroom
Got Flu-Like Symptoms? A New At-Home COVID-19 and Flu Test Can Help

This at-home test for COVID-19 and flu can help you figure out what’s causing your symptoms, and how best to treat them

Person sitting on bed wrapped in a blanket, holding tissues to their nose, with tea and meds by bedside
How Long Are You Contagious With the Flu?

You may be spreading the flu virus before your symptoms start and up to a week after

Three sick babies crying amidst toys and baby items
April 18, 2024/Children's Health
How To Keep Your Kids Healthy When They Go to Daycare

You can help strengthen your child’s immune system by focusing on hand washing and staying up-to-date on their vaccines

Person holding cup of hot tea, with honey jar floating in background
February 23, 2024/Ear, Nose & Throat
Why Your Throat Tickles — And How To Stop It

Often, a throat tickle is due to a cold, allergies or GERD — but see a doctor if it won’t go away

Teacup of tea and plate of toast
February 2, 2024/Primary Care
What To Eat, Drink and Avoid When You Have the Stomach Flu

Start slowly with clear fluids, and then move to bland, easy-to-digest foods

Trending Topics

Person touching aching ear, with home remedies floating around
Home Remedies for an Ear Infection: What To Try and What To Avoid

Not all ear infections need antibiotics — cold and warm compresses and changing up your sleep position can help

Infographic of foods high in iron, including shrimp, oysters, peas, cream of wheat, prunes, eggs, broccoli, beef and chicken
52 Foods High In Iron

Pump up your iron intake with foods like tuna, tofu and turkey

Person squeezing half a lemon into a glass of water
Is Starting Your Day With Lemon Water Healthy?

A glass of lemon water in the morning can help with digestion and boost vitamin C levels, and may even help get you into a better routine

Ad