Asthma expert: ‘prepare for winter or face danger’

The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation
News release
For immediate use

14 May, 2009

Asthma expert: ‘prepare for winter or face danger’

The Medical Director of the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation is strongly advising people with asthma to get immunised for influenza sooner rather than later as winter sets in.

‘Around 1 in 5 New Zealanders including 1 in 4 kids has asthma and getting immunised, using your preventer inhaler regularly and getting an asthma management plan are very important for Kiwis with asthma this winter,’ says Professor Robin Taylor.

‘If you have a virus go to your chest and you have asthma, you could end up in real trouble,’ Professor Taylor says.

‘Using a cortico-steroid preventer inhaler means that you have less chance of developing acute wheezing and coughing if you are struck by a virus. But starting on the preventer inhaler when the virus strikes is too late. Rather people should use their preventers regularly before any virus strikes – because it takes several weeks of treatment to reduce susceptibility.’

Asthma is the leading reason for Kiwi kids and young people being hospitalised and we have the second highest rate of asthma in the world, following the UK.

Influenza immunisation is free for people with long-term conditions and illnesses such as asthma until 30 June, 2009, as part of the National Influenza Strategy Group’s annual programme.

If people have any questions they should ask their GP, district nurse, or respiratory specialist. Asthma management plans are available at

www.asthmafoundation.org.nz/resources/managementplans.
The plans are to be filled out together with a health professional.

ENDS

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