Coughs, Colds and Asthma

Coughs, colds and the flu are one of the most common triggers of asthma. The common cold is caused by an upper respiratory tract infection and is a common illness for children and adults in Australia. As we approach the colder months, here are some tips to keep in mind to prevent and reduce the spread of coughs, colds and the flu:

• Avoid coughing and sneezing on or near others and wash your hands thoroughly to prevent the spread of disease.
• If your child is not feeling well, it is recommended that they stay home and rest, to reduce the spread of infections and to speed up their recovery process.
• Everyone should have the annual flu vaccination to ensure they are protected from this disease. You or your child may be eligible for the free flu vaccination. Details about who is eligible can be found here and can also be determined by your doctor.
• Prior to purchasing any medications or herbal and natural remedies’, you should seek the advice of your doctor or pharmacist as some medications can react with asthma medications. Such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen/Naproxen (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications), Beta Blockers tablet and eye drops (used for high blood pressure and glaucoma), and ACE inhibitors (used to control blood pressure).

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Asthma First Aid App

The Asthma First Aid App is your go-to tool for an asthma emergency. It covers both first aid in the event of an asthma emergency, plus the ability to review each of the four first aid steps.

This app is an educational tool developed by Asthma Australia for people with asthma, their families and carers. It provides easy access to the asthma first aid steps in both live and training versions.

The app is perfect for family, friends, school, childcare, sport and recreation and allows you to:

• follow the asthma first aid steps live in ATTACK mode
• learn the asthma first aid steps in training review mode
• review the asthma first aid steps, using a sample of scenarios, in training scenario mode

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Kiss My Asthma App

The Kiss My Asthma App is an app for young people, developed by young people. 

The app features:

• access to your Asthma Action Plan
• the ability to track your asthma symptoms, severity and attacks, making it easy to inform your doctor or specialist accurately about your asthma
• mood tracker
• setting goals and receive support from one of the app’s monster assistants
• reminders to take your asthma preventer medications
• Asthma First Aid instructions and emergency contacts
• finding out more about asthma, asthma medications and devices, and managing anxiety

These apps can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

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Asthma First Aid Flyer

This flyer is handy to have displayed if someone in the household suffers from asthma.

It can be accessed here.

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Stay warm this winter!

For more information, please contact The Asthma Foundation of Victoria on 1800 278 462 or www.asthma.org.au