By JILL DALY
Pittsburgh Post-GazetteThe early arrival of seasonal flu vaccines -- to pave the way for the October release of the new H1N1 vaccine -- comes just in time for the fall checkups that are part of the health routine of children with asthma.
More children than normal are coming in to see asthma and allergy specialists, reported Dr. Deborah A. Gentile, director of the Allegheny General Hospital's Division of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology in Pennsylvania.
"This year we are very concerned about it (the new flu)," she said in a recent interview. "We are already starting to see an uptick already."
The fall allergy season is "a busy time," Gentile said. "We're in the midst of allergy season -- ragweed, mold. The temperatures change 30 degrees in a day. Temperature change triggers asthma. With the kids going back to school, respiratory viruses are going around -- in particular, the common cold."
And on top of all that, there are the extra flu concerns this year, she said, so it's time for asthma patients to see their doctors.
"Even if they're doing well, we want to see them to make sure they are doing well," she said. "Usually in October is when most of them get their immunizations. We're ready."
Gentile said the new H1N1 virus -- now the dominant flu in circulation -- makes the usual precautions more important.
"We do know with respiratory virus, anyone with any cardio or respiratory conditions is compromised."
"Each year, for both adults and children with known asthma, what we typically do is, we have registries and we send out a letter to them to make sure they have their flu shots."
The primary precaution for people with asthma, she explained, is to have their condition well controlled, with daily medications, and have a written action plan.
An asthma action plan is a step-by-step guide for preventing asthma attacks, or recognizing and treating them if they occur. It usually includes a list of medications and dosages, signs of an attack, when to seek emergency care and contact numbers.
Gentile said the plan covers what to do if the child gets the flu, including what can be handled at home and when there should be a trip to the emergency room.
Leading a healthy lifestyle is very important for children with asthma, and that includes regular exercise.
"Studies show sleep deprivation, bad nutrition and stress increase susceptibility to viruses," Gentile said.
As a side note, Gentile pointed out that a child who is allergic to eggs, a component in flu vaccines, can be treated with a prophylactic dose of antiviral medication such as Tamiflu. If given within a day of the first flu symptoms, the medication can prevent the flu from getting worse.
Advice for avoiding the flu virus is the same for everyone, Gentile said, and young children should be taught good hand washing techniques and told not to touch their face or nose with their hands.
"The best advice is: If you're sick, stay home," Dr. Gentile said. "If they're sick, they're going to make everyone else sick."
For caregivers of children with asthma, there's no time to waste in an emergency.
"If they're having a bad asthma attack in a school setting, they can always call 911," the doctor said. "It's an emergency situation. It's not something to be taken lightly."
(E-mail reporter Jill Daly at jdaly@post-gazette.com.)
