Donegal Daily
  • News
  • Sport
    • Sport

      Donegal women’s charities receive €5,500 from first-ever…

      24 hours ago

      Sport

      Seven Donegal schools heading to the Aviva…

      2 days ago

      Sport

      Finn Harps ready for hike up league…

      3 days ago

      Golf

      Dunfanaghy golfers tee up for 24-hour fundraiser…

      3 days ago

      Athletics

      ‘Special K’ for Finn Valley brothers on…

      5 days ago

      Athletics

      Letterkenny Athletics Club Notes

      1 week ago

      Athletics

      Another busy week for Finn Valley AC

      1 week ago

      Athletics

      Letterkenny AC news: Wallace takes Wild Atlantic…

      2 weeks ago

      Boxing

      New boxing club opens in west Donegal

      4 weeks ago

      Boxing

      Jason Quigley to headline iconic Madison Square…

      2 months ago

      Boxing

      Quigley remains focused despite late opponent change

      2 months ago

      Boxing

      Boxing: Three more finals in North West…

      2 months ago

      Football

      Dunfanaghy Youths FC finally get their new…

      5 days ago

      Football

      Bonagee book a semi-final place in FAI…

      5 days ago

      Football

      Carn complete treble with dramatic Division Two…

      5 days ago

      Football

      Donegal League Presentations: All the winners and…

      6 days ago

      GAA

      Donegal ladies learn opponents in Group B…

      4 days ago

      GAA

      Grab yourself a Murphy memory while you…

      4 days ago

      GAA

      Inspired introductions help Donegal Ladies claim Ulster…

      5 days ago

      GAA

      Special memento presented in memory of Letterkenny…

      7 days ago

      Golf

      Dunfanaghy golfers tee up for 24-hour fundraiser…

      3 days ago

      Golf

      Golf: Shaun lands top prize at Otway…

      1 week ago

      Golf

      Seán MacCumhaills Golf Classic returns on June…

      2 weeks ago

      Golf

      Cloughaneely Golf Club hosting Golf Classic on…

      3 weeks ago

      Hockey

      Raphoe Hockey scoop Intermediate League title after…

      4 weeks ago

      Hockey

      Hockey: Raphoe complete double with Intermediate Ulster…

      1 month ago

      Hockey

      Hockey: Raphoe victorious in Linden Cup Final…

      2 months ago

      Hockey

      Hard-fought win sees Raphoe close in on…

      2 months ago

      GAA

      GAA Roundup: Good day for senior hurlers…

      1 month ago

      GAA

      Super win for Donegal hurlers in Nicky…

      1 month ago

      Hurling

      Brave Donegal U17 hurlers go down to…

      2 months ago

      GAA

      Donegal impress, but Meath win out in…

      2 months ago

      Rugby

      Letterkenny RFC beat Cavan to reach Gordon…

      2 months ago

      Rugby

      Sadhbh McGrath (18) to make senior Ireland…

      2 months ago

      Rugby

      Anne Scott receives IRFU Spirit of Rugby…

      2 months ago

      Rugby

      Free pizza! Six Nations fundraiser to float…

      3 months ago

  • Courts
  • Jobs
  • Travel
  • Features
  • Business
  • Property
  • Council News
  • Politics
  • More
    • Advertise with us
    • Haircare
    • Cooking
    • DD Pets
    • Hairdressing
    • Motors
Friday 20°CSaturday 22°C

Donegal Daily Donegal Daily

  • News
  • Sport
    • Sport

      Donegal women’s charities receive €5,500 from first-ever…

      24 hours ago

      Sport

      Seven Donegal schools heading to the Aviva…

      2 days ago

      Sport

      Finn Harps ready for hike up league…

      3 days ago

      Golf

      Dunfanaghy golfers tee up for 24-hour fundraiser…

      3 days ago

      Athletics

      ‘Special K’ for Finn Valley brothers on…

      5 days ago

      Athletics

      Letterkenny Athletics Club Notes

      1 week ago

      Athletics

      Another busy week for Finn Valley AC

      1 week ago

      Athletics

      Letterkenny AC news: Wallace takes Wild Atlantic…

      2 weeks ago

      Boxing

      New boxing club opens in west Donegal

      4 weeks ago

      Boxing

      Jason Quigley to headline iconic Madison Square…

      2 months ago

      Boxing

      Quigley remains focused despite late opponent change

      2 months ago

      Boxing

      Boxing: Three more finals in North West…

      2 months ago

      Football

      Dunfanaghy Youths FC finally get their new…

      5 days ago

      Football

      Bonagee book a semi-final place in FAI…

      5 days ago

      Football

      Carn complete treble with dramatic Division Two…

      5 days ago

      Football

      Donegal League Presentations: All the winners and…

      6 days ago

      GAA

      Donegal ladies learn opponents in Group B…

      4 days ago

      GAA

      Grab yourself a Murphy memory while you…

      4 days ago

      GAA

      Inspired introductions help Donegal Ladies claim Ulster…

      5 days ago

      GAA

      Special memento presented in memory of Letterkenny…

      7 days ago

      Golf

      Dunfanaghy golfers tee up for 24-hour fundraiser…

      3 days ago

      Golf

      Golf: Shaun lands top prize at Otway…

      1 week ago

      Golf

      Seán MacCumhaills Golf Classic returns on June…

      2 weeks ago

      Golf

      Cloughaneely Golf Club hosting Golf Classic on…

      3 weeks ago

      Hockey

      Raphoe Hockey scoop Intermediate League title after…

      4 weeks ago

      Hockey

      Hockey: Raphoe complete double with Intermediate Ulster…

      1 month ago

      Hockey

      Hockey: Raphoe victorious in Linden Cup Final…

      2 months ago

      Hockey

      Hard-fought win sees Raphoe close in on…

      2 months ago

      GAA

      GAA Roundup: Good day for senior hurlers…

      1 month ago

      GAA

      Super win for Donegal hurlers in Nicky…

      1 month ago

      Hurling

      Brave Donegal U17 hurlers go down to…

      2 months ago

      GAA

      Donegal impress, but Meath win out in…

      2 months ago

      Rugby

      Letterkenny RFC beat Cavan to reach Gordon…

      2 months ago

      Rugby

      Sadhbh McGrath (18) to make senior Ireland…

      2 months ago

      Rugby

      Anne Scott receives IRFU Spirit of Rugby…

      2 months ago

      Rugby

      Free pizza! Six Nations fundraiser to float…

      3 months ago

  • Courts
  • Jobs
  • Travel
  • Features
  • Business
  • Property
  • Council News
  • Politics
  • More
    • Advertise with us
    • Haircare
    • Cooking
    • DD Pets
    • Hairdressing
    • Motors
HealthNews

Donegal asthma sufferers urged to take advantage of free flu vaccine

written by Stephen Maguire October 24, 2019
FacebookTweetLinkedInPrint

Donegal’s 12,408 asthma sufferers eligible for a free flu vaccine are being urged to act early and get protected ahead of winter.

The Asthma Society of Ireland is today calling on the people in Donegal who have asthma, and the 17,511 people who have Coronary Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), to speak to their GP or pharmacist about receiving the flu vaccination.

Dr. Dermot Nolan, Asthma Consultant and member of the Asthma Society’s Medical Advisory Group, said: “I strongly recommend the flu vaccine to my patients with asthma.

“Contracting the virus is in no way a pleasant experience. Headaches, high fever, chills, coughing and aching body are just a few of the many debilitating symptoms.

“In some cases, the flu can lead to death. Every year, between 200 and 500 people die as a result of the flu,” he added.

“People with asthma need to be extra cautious with the flu virus as it causes swelling and narrowing of the airways in the lungs, along with excess mucus and these three factors can trigger an asthma attack, which in some cases, can be fatal.

“The southern hemisphere has just come out of a very difficult flu season and this usually indicates that it will hit us hard this winter too.

“So, this year, it is even more important that people with asthma and other respiratory conditions receive the flu jab, as it could save their lives.”

People with long-term illnesses like asthma and COPD are at higher risk of the flu, which is potentially fatal.

Sarah O’Connor, CEO of the Asthma Society, said:  “It is really important that people with asthma or COPD and their friends, family and co-workers, make every effort to avoid contracting the highly contagious flu virus.

“One person now dies every six days from asthma. To help keep the flu at bay, we’ve compiled a list of top tips on how to avoid contracting the virus, and what to do if you do contract the virus.”

Top tips to help you avoid catching and spreading the flu virus:

  • Get the flu vaccine in October
  • Watch the Asthma Society’s our Asthma and the Flu Vaccine Q&A video which answers some of the most common questions about asthma and the flu
  • Call the Asthma Society’s free Asthma and COPD Adviceline on 1800 44 54 64 to speak to an respiratory specialist nurse to ensure you are properly managing your condition and are best prepared for flu season
  • Cover your mouth when sneezing using a tissue – this tissue should be binned afterwards
  • Wash your hands frequently with hot soapy water to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading the flu virus
  • Get plenty of sleep and eat healthily – this can help boost your immunity and decrease the risks of contracting a flu
  • If you suspect someone has a cold or the flu, keep your distance where possible
  • Try to get into the habit of not touching your face as this is often how the flu is spread
  • Regularly clean hard surfaces such as your phone, keyboard and door handles as the flu virus can live on these surfaces for up to 24 hours

If you catch the flu, you should:

  • Schedule an appointment with your doctor straight away
  • Remember to use your preventative inhaler every day, which will help control inflammation in your lungs – this will make you less likely to have an asthma attack
  • Always carry your reliever inhaler(usually blue) with you wherever you go in case of emergencies
  • If using your inhaler more than twice a week, contact your GP
  • Improve your inhaler technique to get the best benefit from your medication – watch our Inhaler Technique videos on asthma.ie for best practice
  • Rest as much as possible – the flu can be extremely tiring and you will need all your energy to fight it
  • Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water
  • Stay home from work/school when you experience flu symptoms, to rest and also to avoid spreading the virus

For anyone looking for any more information on their asthma and/or COPD and the flu/pneumococcal vaccine, the Asthma Society has a team of respiratory specialist nurses available on 1800 44 54 64 who will happily answer their queries.

Donegal asthma sufferers urged to take advantage of free flu vaccine was last modified: October 24th, 2019 by Stephen Maguire
FacebookTweetLinkedInPrint

Tags:
health
Stephen Maguire

Stephen Maguire is the co-founder of Donegal Daily. He has worked as a reporter for almost 30 years starting locally with the Donegal Peoples Press before moving to the Mirror Group. He continues to contribute daily to national media outlets including the Irish Times, RTE, the Irish Independent, Irish Sun, Irish Mirror, Irish Star, the Daily Mail and the Examiner.

LEAVE A COMMENT

You may also like

Temperatures to reach up to 21 degrees...

14 mins ago

Free workshop for community groups supporting defective...

1 hour ago

Public urged to consider all care options...

1 hour ago

Travel: Seven amazing reasons to visit Northern...

12 hours ago

Water and road safety appeals issued for...

13 hours ago

Donegal/Derry filmmaker recognised with Markievicz Award

14 hours ago

DD Pet Corner: Top tips to keep...

16 hours ago

Concerning five-fold increase in patients on trolleys...

17 hours ago

Over 5,000 Donegal carers to receive annual...

18 hours ago

Ballyshannon & Killybegs Credit Union just got...

18 hours ago
Advertisement
Advertisement

MOST POPULAR

Donegal County Council
Advertisement

Sport Hub

  • Stay up to date with Donegal Sport Hub on Facebook

    1 year ago
  • Donegal links rank in Top 100 Golf Courses in the World

    1 year ago
  • Bundoran 10 Event set for March 2022

    1 year ago
See More

Donegal Woman

    See More

    Columnists

    Group Holidays - Travel Department

    Travel: Seven amazing reasons to visit Northern Cyprus & Cyprus

    1 day ago

    Pet Corner with Gary's Pet World - Michelle Kelly

    DD Pet Corner: Top tips to keep your dog safe at the beach

    1 day ago

    Motoring - Brian McDaid

    DD Motoring: An old road, but a new journey 

    5 days ago

    Career Advice - Rory White

    Leaving Cert Countdown: Tips for exam success

    1 week ago

    Healthy Living - Sorcha McElchar

    Burns overcomes challenge of Donegal man Erskine to become GAA President

    3 months ago

    See All Columnists
    Advertisement
    Donegal Daily Jobs

    Donegal Woman

      See More

      Read More

      • News
      • Sport
      • Courts
      • Jobs
      • Sales & Services
      • Obituaries
      • Features
      • Business
      • Politics
      • Council News

      Information

      • Contact Us
      • About
      • Advertise WIth Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Disclaimer
      • Terms & Conditions

      Our Sites

      Donegal Woman
      Donegal Woman
      Donegal Daily

      © 2023 Donegal Daily. All rights reserved.
      Website by owenod


      Back To Top.