What can you do to be prepared for the cold and flu season?

Cold and flu viruses are very common triggers for people with asthma, and although you can’t always avoid them, you can lower your risk and the impact of a cold or flu triggering an asthma flare-up.

Good asthma management year-round is key to ensuring you are ready for the winter cold and flu season.
Here are some key asthma management tips to be asthma ready this winter.

A survey of Australians aged 16 and older with current asthma, identified that 29% had needed urgent health care for asthma in the previous year. Of these, 23% had urgent need to see their GP, 10% their emergency department or hospital, with 4% needing one or more nights in hospital because of their asthma.

You should see your doctor at least every 6-12 months, to make sure your medicines are still working right for you, as your asthma can change over time.

Visit your doctor for an asthma review. Your doctor can:

assess your current level of asthma control
make sure you are on the right medicines to manage your asthma (eg. a preventer)
check your inhaler technique
ensure your Asthma Action Plan is up-to-date
answer any questions you have

If you or a family member needs an asthma review book in to see one of our GPs!