People with asthma and coronary obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are being urged to get the flu vaccine, as they face a higher risk of contracting the illness.

Around 380,000 people in Ireland have asthma, while 500,000 have COPD. According to the Asthma Society of Ireland, people with long-term illnesses such as both of these conditions "are at a higher risk of the flu, which is potentially fatal".

Commenting on this issue, asthma consultant and member of the Asthma Society's Medical Advisory Group, Dr Dermot Nolan, warned that catching the flu "is in no way a pleasant experience", with symptoms, including headaches, high fever, chills, and an aching body.

Furthermore, between 200 and 500 people die in Ireland every year as a result of the flu.

"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 factors can trigger an asthma attack, which in some cases, can be fatal.

"I strongly recommend the flu vaccine to my patients with asthma. 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," he emphasised.

The society has compiled a list of tips on how to avoid contracting the flu. According to Asthma Society CEO, Sarah O'Connor, everyone with asthma and/or COPD should follow these tips:

-Get the flu vaccine in October
-Watch the Asthma Society's 'Asthma and the Flu Vaccine Q&A' video here, 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 a 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 the 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.

Meanwhile, 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 here
-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/college when you experience flu symptoms, to rest and also to avoid spreading the virus.

"People with asthma and/or COPD should also speak to their healthcare professional about getting the pneumococcal vaccine. This once-off vaccine will reduce the patient's risk of contracting the pneumococcal virus.

"The potentially deadly pneumococcal virus can lead to sinusitis (sinus infection), otisis media (ear infection), pneumonia (lung infection), bacteremia (blood infection), and meningitis (brain infection)," Dr Nolan explained.

More information on pneumococcal disease and its vaccine is available at www.pneumo.ie.