It’s the most wonderful time of the year…until you get the flu. The downside to the Holidays is that it coincides with flu season, and some unlucky individuals will have to skip some of the festivities in order to recuperate. The flu can cause more complications for the very young or old, and for individuals with diabetes, heart disease or asthma. If you have asthma, you’re at a higher risk of experiencing respiratory problems associated with the flu.

Individuals with asthma should get the flu shot each year as a preventative measure. Some people argue that the flu shot can make you sick or that the effectiveness of the flu shot is a gamble. Some individuals do experience short-term flu-like side effects like aches or a low-grad fever, but it could be their body building antibodies against the flu. It’s also possible that they were already coming down with the flu when they got the shot. Researchers track global flu viruses during the year to identify what will be the most effective combination of vaccines. Although researchers are thorough about developing the vaccine, there isn’t one vaccine they can develop that will work for everyone. But, doctors still recommend a flu shot as the best preventative measure against the flu.

If you do come down with the flu, call your doctor about how to manage your asthma symptoms so they don’t get worse. Your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medicine that will reduce your flu symptoms, and they may alter your asthma action plan to compensate.