Breathe a big sigh of relief – another flu season has come and gone. For people with asthma, the flu represents a seriously threatening illness. Our airways are already compromised from asthma. The flu can send us spiraling out of control quite quickly.

That’s why so many health experts recommend that people with asthma get an annual flu shot. We’re considered to be part of the “high risk” group. Getting a flu shot is a no-brainer, no pain way to stay healthy during flu season. I don’t know why anyone who has asthma wouldn’t get a flu shot.

But lots of us are NOT getting them, according to a recent article in the Centers for Disease Control’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (June 20th issue). The Healthy People 2010 project has set a goal that 60% of high risk people will get their annual flu shot. In 2005-2006, only 36.2% of adults in the high risk group of asthma got the shots. That’s not too good, is it?

You may recall that we have frequently had shortages of flu vaccine in the last few flu seasons. So I suppose that could account for some of the poor showing. But I doubt that’s all of it. Other reasons might be the cost (I spent nearly $30 this past year!), or not having access to flu clinics or a doctor, especially in rural or remote areas.

I wonder, though, how many people with asthma fail to get vaccinated against the flu simply because they don’t know it’s important. I urge all of my fellow healthcare professionals to be be diligent in recommending the flu shot, beginning early in the autumn and on into January or February, which is still not too late. For my fellow asthma sufferers, please consider getting your flu shot this coming fall!

Yes, it hurts a little, especially if you’re a “baby” about needles like me. But, it’s over in a flash, and NO, it cannot give you the flu, since the vaccine is made from dead virus only. As for the cost, it’s a lot less than the value of your lost time, lost work hours or lost school time, believe me. Plus, who doesn’t want to stay healthy and asthma-symptom free year-round?