Common fall season triggers include mold and ragweed. Dead, wet tree leaves that have fallen to the ground grow mold spores. As the leaves are raked and discarded, the mold spores are released into the air causing asthma and allergy symptoms. Ragweed is present in the fall producing ragweed pollen in the air causing allergy symptoms that can trigger asthma.

As the weather cools and we stay indoors more, things like pet dander, tobacco smoke, and dust are more likely to trigger asthma. As we turn on home heating sources, indoor fireplaces, kerosene and gas heaters can be potential safety hazards by emitting fumes into the air you breathe causing severe breathing problems. And we can’t forget about hayrides, roasting marshmallows and making Smores. Campfire smoke and dust-like fragments that come from straw and hay can be asthma triggers.

Now that school has started, kids are at risk for catching colds and other respiratory viruses. October signaled the start of the flu season. The flu is a respiratory virus and the most common asthma trigger in the fall and winter.

How to Reduce Fall Season Asthma Triggers

1. Wear a mask or scarf to cover your mouth and nose if you rake the leaves. Wear long sleeves and long pants and remove and wash them as soon as you enter your house to prevent taking mold spores into your home. Better yet, have someone else do the raking for you if you have severe allergies.
2. If you are a smoker speak with your health care provider about how you can quit. If you don’t smoke, don’t allow anyone to smoke in your home or car. Keep pets out of the bedroom and off your bed and vacuum weekly to remove dust and pet dander from your carpet. Keep your windows closed to prevent ragweed pollen from entering your home.
3. You should enjoy the fall activities and glow of a bonfire, however; you must keep your distance and avoid inhaling the smoke. Have a friend roast the marshmallows or make you a s’more to enjoy so you don’t have to get close to the fire. Stand away from the direction of the smoke blowing in the wind.

4. The best way to avoid the flu is to get the flu vaccine. It is highly recommended the every patient with asthma get the flu vaccine. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns about the flu vaccine. Also, wash your hands often and keep your hands away from your face.

By following these tips, eating a healthy diet and avoiding close contact with people who have symptoms of a cold or flu, you can have fun and enjoy the pleasures that come with autumn. For more information about HealthNet, visit us at www.indyhealthnet.org.

Post by Dan Wilson, RRT, CPFT, AE-C

One of the best ways to prevent the cold is by frequent hand-washing. An estimated 80% of contagious diseases are transmitted by touch, so wash your hands! The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu shot, which will help to prevent the flu virus.

Flu Vaccination

There are many myths surrounding the flu, but the most common is that the flu shot can give you the flu. This myth is absolutely not true. According to flu.gov, it takes approximately two weeks for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the virus. Many people think the shot is effective immediately, and then develop the flu with the idea that the shot transmitted the virus.

Are there any side effects to getting a flu shot?

Unfortunately yes, although nothing severe. Possible symptoms include soreness, redness or swelling at the injection sight, headaches, fever and nausea. If you do develop severe symptoms, call your doctor immediately.

Where can I get a flu shot?

All of our HealthNet locations have flu shots available for patients. Walk-in patients welcome! For more information please visit www.indyhealthnet.org.

School nurses, like those at HealthNet’s school-based clinics, may be among the best people to ask. They are in the business of keeping kids healthy and in school. In fact, it was a school nurse in New York that first identified the H1N1 outbreak a couple of years ago.

Here are 10 tips for keeping your kids well this flu season:

1. Get a flu shot. For that matter, parents should get the shot too.  If you don’t think you have the time to get into the doctor’s office, there are several locations that offer the vaccine at a low cost with no appointment.  Find a HealthNet location near you.
2. Wash your hands regularly. Teach your kids to wash for about 10 to 15 seconds — about how long it takes to sing “Happy Birthday.”
3. Keep your hands out of your mouth, nose and eyes.
4. If someone is sick (coughing, sneezing, etc.), keep your distance.
5. Have a plan to clean surfaces regularly – at home and at school.
6. Get plenty of rest.
7. Eat right, and get plenty of fluid and exercise daily.
8. Cover your cough. Sneeze or cough into your elbow or a tissue.
9. If you are sick with the flu, stay home. Don’t go to school or other places you could spread the flu.

For many students in Marion County, the only health care they receive is at school. Last year, HealthNet School-Based Services helped more than 3,320 students receive health care and health education services at eight public and charter schools in Marion County. With your help, they can do even more. Thanks for making a difference for Indy schools!