Risk Groups and Specific Conditions
Cold and Flu in Asthma – Don’t risk it!
The flu or influenza is a viral infection that targets the lungs, throat and nose. Unlike asthma attacks, influenza can spread through respiratory aerosols from coughing or sneezing, or direct contact with respiratory secretions. But did you know that cold and flu in asthma can be considered triggers?
People with asthma can experience flare-ups during a respiratory infection. Influenza can also cause serious complications. These can include:
– Students and employees lose school and work days, respectively
– Ear infection, bronchitis or pneumonia
– Severe asthma flare-ups
– Hospitalisation and even death
Preparing for the Cold and Flu Season
Colds and flu can trigger asthma flare-ups. You can take practical steps to manage your asthma and reduce your risk of influenza.
The key to good asthma management is ensuring you’re well-prepared for the flu and winter.
Here are a few tips to get you started:
Asthma review with your healthcare professional
Ask your healthcare professional when to review your asthma medicines and Asthma Action Plan.
In an asthma review, your healthcare professional will do the following:
– Ask pertinent questions
– Test your inhaler technique
– Confirm if you’re taking the right medication
– Assess your asthma control
– Check your Asthma Action Plan
Use your asthma medicines as prescribed
Inhaled corticosteroid medicines reduce airway inflammation and help prevent asthma flare-ups. Follow your prescribed regimen: some people use daily maintenance treatment, while others use an anti-inflammatory reliever as needed. The Australian Asthma Handbook describes the treatment options for adults and adolescents.
Ask your healthcare professional to explain how and when to use each of your inhalers.
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Do you have an Asthma Action Plan?
An Asthma Action Plan is something you should plan with your healthcare professional to get clear instructions on what to do during flare-ups.
The plan should also explain how you can manage asthma whenever you have the flu or a cold.
A written Asthma Action Plan should explain how to recognise worsening asthma, which medicines to use and when to seek medical help. The Australian Asthma Handbook describes written plans as part of supported self-management, together with education and regular professional review. This combined approach can reduce hospital visits and time away from school or work.
Get your Flu Vaccination – Don’t Risk it!
Reduce your risk of influenza by getting your annual flu vaccine.
It’s important to get flu shots yearly in your workplace, school or nearby health clinic as the influenza virus constantly evolves. Annual vaccination helps protect you and those around you, but does not provide complete protection.
Ask your vaccination provider about timing your annual flu vaccination before the influenza season.
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends annual vaccination for people aged 6 months and over. You can discuss a flu vaccination with your provider if you have not yet had this year’s vaccine.
People with asthma should discuss annual flu vaccination with their provider to reduce their risk of influenza.
Asthma sits among the risk groups and specific conditions we screen for at every workplace clinic.
Need to organise flu shots at work?
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Get your FREE Flu shot!
The National Immunisation Program (NIP) funds flu vaccines for the groups below. Check with your provider about availability and any consultation or service fee. NIP eligibility does not mean an employer-funded workplace clinic is free under the NIP.
Aged 65 And Above
This demographic has a greater likelihood of being affected by symptoms caused by seasonal flu.
Pregnant Women
The Australian Technical Advisory Group recommends pregnant women take their flu vaccine before the flu season begins and at any point during pregnancy.
The influenza vaccine helps protect both mother and baby during the first few months and lowers the risk of the child being infected in periods where they’re too young to be vaccinated.
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over are eligible for a free NIP flu vaccine.
Children aged 6 months to under 5 years
All children aged 6 months to under 5 years are eligible for a free NIP flu vaccine.
People with specified medical conditions
People with certain medical conditions are at increased risk of severe influenza. NIP funding applies to the specified conditions in the Australian Immunisation Handbook medical-risk table, rather than every condition for which vaccination is recommended.
People aged 6 months and over with the specified conditions can receive a free NIP flu vaccine. The funded categories include:
– Chronic metabolic disorders, including diabetes
– Chronic kidney disease meeting the NIP medical-risk criteria
– Specified chronic respiratory conditions
– Cardiac disease listed in the NIP medical-risk table
– Haematological disorders such as sickle cell disease or other haemoglobinopathies
– Immunocompromising conditions listed in the NIP medical-risk table
– Specified chronic neurological conditions
– Severe asthma requiring frequent medical consultations or the use of multiple medications
– Children aged 5 to 10 years taking aspirin long-term
Speak with your healthcare professional, such as a vaccination provider or Aboriginal Health Worker, to see if you’re eligible for the free flu vaccine. You may also ask your territory health department or local state representative about free vaccines for your children.
Ask your vaccination provider which vaccine is appropriate for your age. The Australian Immunisation Handbook sets out the current age-based vaccine recommendations.
Flu vaccines can be administered through different health care providers, including general practices, pharmacies, community health clinics, Aboriginal Medical Services and more. Employees can get their flu vaccines at their place of work when offered.
To get more information about the National Immunisation Program and flu, call 1800 671 811 or visit health.gov.au/immunisation.
How You can Stop the Spread of the Flu and Colds
You can help reduce the spread of influenza with these three steps:
- Cover your sneeze and cough
- Wash your hands regularly
- Stay home if you have flu symptoms to help reduce the risk of spreading it
Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
Use a tissue or a handkerchief, or cough into your elbow when you cough or sneeze to help reduce the spread of respiratory secretions.
Dispose of tissues into a bin as soon as possible, then wash your hands.
More on Risk Groups and Specific Conditions
Risk Groups & Conditions
Can I Get the Flu Vaccine if I’m Allergic to Eggs?
Yes. For most Australians with egg allergy, including a history of anaphylaxis, the inactivated flu vaccine is considered safe (AIH 2026).
Risk Groups & Conditions
Why Pregnant Women should get a Flu Shot
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends the inactivated flu vaccine at any stage of pregnancy, and it is free for pregnant women under the National Immunisation Program.