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Allergy & Asthma Advocate: Fall 2006
Flu Shot - Should my asthmatic child get one?By Nathan Spence, BA, and Richard W. Honsinger, MD, MACP, FAAAAI Yes! Although the flu shot is not 100 % effective against infection, it drastically reduces the chance of getting influenza. Yet existing myths and misinformation about vaccination prevent many people with asthma from receiving their vaccine annually. Two of the most common myths are: Myth #1: I do not need to get a flu shot because I am not at high
risk for influenza. Myth #2: I will get the flu from the vaccine. Influenza, commonly known as “the flu,” will infect as many as 1 in 5 people in the United States in the coming flu season. An estimated 377,000 hospitalizations and 51,000 influenza-associated deaths will occur as a result. And while the influenza vaccine has been shown to prevent infection, it is still underutilized in those most vulnerable to severe life-threatening complications. Of 153 US children who died during the 2003-2004 influenza season, 47% had been healthy and 33% had an underlying medical condition that increases the risk of influenza-related complications. Most of the children who died had been inadequately vaccinated. Influenza is a contagious disease that is spread when an infected person coughs, or sneezes, sending virus into the air to be inhaled by others in the surrounding environment. The virus enters the nose, throat, or lungs and begins to multiply, causing symptoms of infection. Manifestations of uncomplicated influenza include fever, headache, fatigue, sore throat, dry cough, muscle aches, and rhinitis. In addition, children may experience nausea, vomiting, and earache. Serious complications may ensue, especially in those with asthma who are more susceptible to pneumonia and other chronic lung problems. Therefore, routine influenza vaccination is imperative for your asthmatic child’s health.
It is recommended that you talk with your doctor if your child had a severe reaction to a flu vaccination in the past, or if your child has had the rare Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Viruses for the flu shot are grown in eggs. Therefore, if your child has ever had a severe allergic reaction to eggs (i.e., hives or asthma), you will want to consult an allergist before vaccination. |
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© 1996-2009 · All Rights Reserved · American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology |
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Immunization can be given in two forms:
the nasal spray and the shot. The nasal
spray is a live, attenuated virus and is for
use ONLY in healthy people between the
ages of 5 and 49 years. Anyone with a
chronic medical condition, including an
asthmatic child (> 6 months), must be
immunized with the shot. The shot is inactivated
(killed) virus administered intramuscularly.
It contains three influenza viruses.
The three vaccine strains – one A
(H3N2) virus, one A (H1N1) virus, and one
B virus - are representative of the influenza vaccine
strains predicted by experts to be most prevalent for that year. The
vaccine does not cover the Influenza A (H5N1) virus, also known as
the avian (bird) flu. However, the bird flu does not infect humans
easily, and if someone is infected it is difficult for them to transmit it to
someone else. Although one shot annually suffices for most, children
under age 9 should receive two injections, one month apart if they
have not had previous vaccination. Even if you have had influenza,
you should take the vaccine to prevent infection with the other two
strains.