Asthma and Allergy Foundation, an Aberdeen based charity has joint effort with the Scottish Government and other health chiefs to encourage people with asthma to consider getting their flu vaccine.
Sean Ambrose, 31 from Aberdeen, is a recent graduate and a volunteer with the Asthma and Allergy foundation, and has been living with asthma for more than 26 years. He said “I suffered from flu badly when I was a teenager. “It affected my respiratory functions severely and I was seriously unwell for two weeks. “Ever since that horrendous experience I have always made sure that I receive my flu vaccine from my local GP practice and I definitely believe this is why I’ve never had the virus since.”
“It’s not only you that is put at risk when you catch flu, you could also pass it on to someone else that may have a weakened immune system and they too could also become seriously ill”.
“Working as a volunteer at the Asthma and Allergy Foundation has helped me learn more about asthma and how a virus like flu can seriously affect you. “I would urge anyone with health condition, like asthma, to speak to their GP or practice nurse about getting their vaccine, it will help to protect you from flu this winter.”
Adding on the importance of flu vaccination, Aberdeen\'s FC Icelandic international defender Kari Arnason, one of several members of the Dons squad who suffers from asthma encourages people not to take any chances. He said “I wouldn’t dream of missing my flu vaccination as if I was to contract flu it could trigger my asthma symptoms and increase the chances of an attack.
Fellow asthma sufferer, midfielder Greg Tansey concurs, \"Thankfully I\'ve never had flu, but you can\'t be complacent. Staying healthy throughout the season is obviously very important which is why I always prioritise getting the vaccine in the autumn and I would urge fellow asthma sufferers to do likewise.\"
Martina Chukwuma-Ezike, chief executive of Asthma and Allergy Foundation, said “Upper respiratory tract infections such as colds and flu can make anyone miserable, but could also potentially trigger asthma symptoms.
“Getting your flu vaccine will help protect you against the flu viruses that are common during the winter and will help people with asthma avoid becoming seriously ill.”
The vaccine is also offered to those with other health conditions, people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, carers and healthcare professionals.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation, which relies on donations to enable it to continue to provide support to the local community, also runs several education and engagement programs and provides bespoke asthma awareness training sessions for companies and organisations to help employees learn more about the condition, how to recognise the symptoms and provide care when needed.
For more information about the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, please call (01224) 973001, email: info@aaf-un.org, or visit: www.aaf-un.org