A recent study conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that only half of asthmatic Americans got a flu shot during the 2010-2011 season. According to HealthDay, this is a notably low figure, as individuals who have asthma are more likely to encounter serious risks when they have the flu.
The good news is that this number increased significantly compared to the 2005-2006 season, when only 36 percent of people with asthma obtained a flu shot. Still, the CDC hopes to see more people who suffer from the chronic respiratory disease taking this key preventative measure.
"Asthmatics are at increased risk for complications from the flu," confirmed Dr. Len Horovitz, a pulmonary specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, in an interview with the news outlet. "Exacerbations [flare-ups] of asthma are common with any viral infection, but the exacerbation from the flu is particularly severe."
The CDC study indicates that lack of insurance has been one of the main barriers preventing people from getting flu shots, noting that there are a number of programs in place that aim to reduce costs for those who can't afford them.
In addition to scheduling a flu shot this season, there are other steps that asthma sufferers can take to ensure that they are healthy. At Allergy Be Gone, we sell a plethora of asthma and allergy control products, such as hypoallergenic mattresses and hypoallergenic sheets, that stop household irritants from accumulating on your bed. Take a look at our website today to learn more!
