The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Most healthy people recover from the flu without complications; however, some people, such as older people, young children, pregnant woman, and people with certain health conditions (like asthma), are at high risk for serious complications from the flu.
Halloween can be a frightful time for parents of kids with allergies & asthma. Nut-filled candy isn’t the only bogeyman that can ruin the fun. Allergy and asthma triggers can hide in other, unexpected places, too, from dusty costumes to leering jack-o’-lanterns.
Now that summer has come to an end, it’s time to think about the new school year, fall allergies, and cooler weather. This is also a time when people with asthma may notice a change in their condition. Being prepared for these changes can make a big difference in keeping your or your child’s asthma well controlled.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) announced the 2011 Fall Allergy Capitals™ rankings, and this season, Knoxville, Tennessee was rated the #1 Fall Allergy Capital due to high pollen counts, high use of allergy medications by patients and too few allergists to treat the burgeoning allergy population.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has teamed up with state and local agencies to create EnviroFlash, a free service that provides the air quality forecast to a subscriber’s email or cellphone.