Outbreaks of the flu occur each winter and last for two to three months, leading to infection in 10 to 20% of the population. Influenza can worsen the symptoms experienced by people who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma. It can also make a person more prone to a bacterial infection that causes pneumonia, or the flu virus itself can cause pneumonia.
Despite this risk, many people with asthma aren't heeding the message from experts to protect themselves against flu-related complications by getting a flu shot. A report published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (Volume 57, page 653) found that during the 2005-2006 flu season, only 36% of people with asthma responding to a national health survey said they were vaccinated against the flu.
The flu vaccination rate was best among older adults with asthma: Those aged 50 to 64 years and 65 or older had the highest flu vaccination rate (49% and 76%, respectively). Flu vaccination is recommended for both age groups, whether or not a person has asthma, because the risk of flu death increases sharply among older adults.
Bottom line advice: Everyone with asthma should get a flu shot because they are at high risk for complications from the flu. Influenza is more serious in people with asthma and can often lead to pneumonia. If you're 50 or older, get your flu shot every year -- even if you don't have asthma. Although it's best to get your flu shot as soon as it becomes available in the fall, you may still benefit from being vaccinated as late as January, since influenza might not appear in some areas until February or March.
