Here's what asthmatics need to know about swine flu

Our goal here is to prevent it from becoming serious.  This is where vigilance comes in handy again.  If you notice any of the following symptoms as recorded by the CDC, you should go to the emergency room right away:

In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

There is no treatment for the influenza virus, but if you call your doctor within the first 48 hours of symptoms he can prescribe Tamiflu or Relenza, antiviral medications.  The bird flu has shown sensitivity to this antiviral medicine, which can reduce symptoms and even decrease duration of illness. Tamiflu is also safe for asthmatics.

Other treatment would include treating the symptoms.  If you are dehydrated from vomiting a doctor may have you treated with hydration therapy.  If you have asthma, your doctor may prescribe additional anti inflammatory medicines such as systemic corticosteroids.

So, according to Dr. Casale asthmatics are at greater risk for developing complications from the swine flu, yet we need not panic.  Most of us are gallant asthmatics who take good care of ourselves and effectively manage our asthma all the time anyway, so we are always prepared.

For the latest updates on swine flu and flu symptoms, click here.