Dr Mike Thomas, GP and Chief Medical Adviser to Asthma UK, says: 'Swine flu, and indeed seasonal flu, can sadly be fatal. The most recent deaths, as reported by the Health Protection Agency, highlight the need for people to be aware of how serious flu can be, particularly for those with existing lung and respiratory conditions like asthma.

'We urge people with asthma to have the swine flu vaccine. Although swine flu is mild in most cases, people with asthma are at risk of serious breathing complications such as pneumonia if they do develop the illness.

'If you have asthma, it's also vital to take other precautions so that your condition is well-controlled, particularly during the colder weather forecast up until Christmas. This includes using your preventer inhaler as prescribed if you have one, attending your annual asthma review and getting a personal asthma action plan, which gives you information on what to do if your asthma gets worse and what to do in an emergency.

'It is also worth being mindful that swine flu is spread by droplets from talking, coughing or sneezing and contact with those droplets on surfaces, so ensure you cough or sneeze into a tissue, which can then be disposed of safely, and ensure you wash your hands thoroughly.'

'For further advice, speak to your doctor or asthma nurse. Asthma UK has further information about both seasonal and swine flu, which can be accessed via the Asthma UK website.

Source:
Asthma UK