For some, especially those with underlying health conditions, the flu can lead to serious complications, like pneumonia, ear or sinus infections, convulsions, or seizures.  

The flu spreads easily through the air between people when coughing and sneezing. You can get the flu if you come into close contact with someone who is sick. You can also become sick by touching a surface or object someone with the flu has touched or come in contact with such as phones, door handles, and light switches.  

Influenza viruses change constantly. Different strains circulate around the world and communities. 

It’s hard for the body’s natural defenses to keep up to these changes. 

Why are people with Asthma at a higher risk?

People with chronic health conditions are at a greater risk of influenza-related complications especially those with pulmonary disorders such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, cystic fibrosis, and asthma.  

Anyone with asthma, even if their symptoms are mild or well-controlled by medication, is at a higher risk of serious complications from the flu. For people with asthma, the flu can cause increased inflammation in the airways and lungs which may lead to asthma attacks, worsened asthma symptoms, or even pneumonia. Asthma is one of the most common health conditions among children and adults hospitalized for the flu.  

Why get the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine is the best way to protect against getting the flu and its complications. Getting vaccinated annually helps prevent the flu and reduces the risk of severe illness. 

How do flu vaccines work?

Two weeks after the flu vaccine is given, the body produces antibodies against the influenza virus.. The antibodies protect against infection. Trivalent flu vaccines protect against three strains of influenza virus while quadrivalent ones protect against four strains. The influenza vaccine is usually given as one dose by injection, but there is also a nasal spray vaccine.  

Types of flu vaccines in Canada?

In Canada, there are 11 influenza vaccines, including:  

• Eight inactivated Influenza vaccines (IIV): These vaccines are made with inactive (killed) viruses and are given by injection. 

• Two recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV4): This vaccine is produced by specific cell line, also given by injection and,  

• One live attenuated Influenza vaccine (LAIV): This vaccine is made from a weakened form of the virus, given as a nasal spray.  

Please talk to your healthcare provider to determine which type of flu vaccine is best for you. He/she will make a recommendation based upon vaccine availability as well as your age and health conditions. 

Note: the nasal spray flu vaccine (LAIV) isn’t recommended for children or adolescents with severe asthma or those taking high-dose steroid inhalers or oral steroids. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have asthma before getting the nasal spray vaccine.  

If you have questions about asthma and vaccines, please contact our free HelpLine at 1-866-787-4050 or info@asthma.ca. Our team of asthma and allergy experts will happily assist you with your asthma control and help put your mind at ease.

Jaqueline Murdoch: Asthma and Vaccine Champion

Jaqueline Murdoch, 75, a retired IT manager and personal trainer, is a passionate advocate for vaccination, shaped by a lifetime of health challenges and early experiences with preventable diseases. Diagnosed with asthma in 2012, she manages her condition with a rigorous health routine and proactive vaccination. Jaqueline received all available COVID-19 doses, annual flu shots, and vaccines for shingles and pneumonia, seeing immunization as essential to reducing severe illness. Having witnessed the impact of diseases like polio and shingles, she urges others to “look at the science” and stay informed, firmly believing that vaccines are key to a long, healthy life.

The information available on this page is supported by an educational grant provided by Sanofi Pasteur.