Swine Flu and Asthma: Complications and Breathing Symptoms
Swine Flu and Asthma: Complications and Breathing Symptoms
Experts discuss the risk of swine flu complications faced by asthma patients.
If you have asthma, experts recommend that you get the injected H1N1 vaccine, which contains a killed virus, rather than the intranasal vaccine, which contains a live but weakened virus. The live virus in the nasal vaccine could potentially trigger asthma flare-ups in some people.
The H1N1 virus can be treated with the same antiviral medications used to treat the seasonal flu, including Tamiflu. However, asthma patients should avoid taking Relenza because of reports that it can cause narrowing of the airways and breathing problems.
Antiviral drugs are most effective when started within the first 48 hours after symptoms begin. Your doctor may prescribe additional medications for increased asthma symptoms. More serious complications, such as pneumonia, may require a trip to the hospital.
Swine Flu and Asthma
Experts discuss the risk of swine flu complications faced by asthma patients.
Which vaccine should I get?
If you have asthma, experts recommend that you get the injected H1N1 vaccine, which contains a killed virus, rather than the intranasal vaccine, which contains a live but weakened virus. The live virus in the nasal vaccine could potentially trigger asthma flare-ups in some people.
How is the swine flu treated in people with asthma?
The H1N1 virus can be treated with the same antiviral medications used to treat the seasonal flu, including Tamiflu. However, asthma patients should avoid taking Relenza because of reports that it can cause narrowing of the airways and breathing problems.
Antiviral drugs are most effective when started within the first 48 hours after symptoms begin. Your doctor may prescribe additional medications for increased asthma symptoms. More serious complications, such as pneumonia, may require a trip to the hospital.
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