2009 H1N1 and People with Asthma
This website is archived for historical purposes and is no longer being maintained or updated. For updated information on the current flu season, see the CDC Seasonal Flu website.
People with asthma who develop influenza – either seasonal flu or 2009 H1N1 flu - are at increased risk for serious complications and are more likely to be hospitalized. The flu may also make chronic health problems worse. For example, people with asthma may experience asthma attacks while they have the flu. If you have asthma, you should follow the recommended steps for protecting yourself from the flu, and follow an updated, written Asthma Action Plan, developed with your doctor. Everyone with asthma who is 6 months and older should get vaccinated against 2009 H1N1 with a flu shot. This includes people 65 and older. Everyone with asthma who is 6 months and older also should get a seasonal flu shot. People with asthma should talk with their health care provider now and plan what to do if they get a flu-like illness. It’s very important that antiviral drugs be used early to treat flu in people who are very sick (for example people who are in the hospital) and people who are sick with flu and have a medical condition that puts them at increased risk of serious flu complications, like asthma.
Asthma Information for Patients and Parents of Patients
Information About 2009 H1N1 Vaccines
Key Facts about Seasonal flu vaccine
Questions & Answers: Antiviral Drugs, 2009-2010 Flu Season
CDC Feature: Asthma and 2009 H1N1 FluNov 4
In The News: 2009 H1N1 Hospitalizations in People with Asthma.
Patients with Asthma: Considerations for Clinicians Regarding 2009 H1N1 Influenza Virus
Resources for Asthma Patients, Parents of Patients, and Healthcare Professionals
Prevention of Pneumococcal Infections Secondary to Seasonal and 2009 H1N1 Influenza
People at High Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications
Related Links and Other Resources
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