How to stay well with asthma this winter

Many people experience an increase in asthma symptoms and find their asthma harder to control during winter.

Among adults with asthma, emergency department presentations and hospitalisation rates peak during the winter months which is likely due to the increase in respiratory infections and the annual winter flu season.

There tend to be more asthma triggers around during the winter season – including colder weather, colds and flu, viruses, unhealthy eating habits, poor indoor air quality and mental health and anxiety. So, if you experience an increase in your asthma symptoms over winter, you’re not alone.

But, you don’t need to put up with these symptoms. Join Asthma Assist, our free asthma information service, so we can assist you in better managing your asthma over winter.

Nicole’s winter asthma story

“My goals for 2019 were simple, spend more time with family, focus on work, and run the half Melbourne Marathon in November. My asthma, however, changed these plans. On an unseasonably cold March morning, my lungs couldn’t cope. I had a persistent cough and was unable to speak full sentences. Little did I know that this was the start of a pattern that was to remain.”

Read Nicole’s full story here.

Just like many of you, Nicole had several hospital admissions throughout winter, despite having good asthma control. If viruses, colds, flu, and seasonal changes are a trigger for you, we urge you to take all the necessary precautions. Have your asthma reviewed, have a written asthma action plan, take your preventer even when well, have the seasonal flu vaccine, follow good hygiene, adhere to social distancing, and stay at home when unwell. We want you to stay well this winter.