Cold and flu season can be especially dangerous for people with asthma, so preparation is key. This piece shares Kerri's tips on getting ready for the fall and winter that you can use at work and home.

As temperatures drop, we approach the time of year when staying healthy can be tough.

Getting through cold and flu season with asthma can be especially tough. When fall and winter arrive, we spend more time indoors, which makes it harder to avoid germs. Kids and some adults return to school where there is elevated exposure. And more people confined to indoor spaces can mean greater chances for cold and flu viruses to spread.

Even if the odds are stacked against you, taking preventive action is possible. There are a few things you can do to help you stay healthier over the colder months.

4 steps to avoiding cold and flu viruses that can aggravate asthma

1. Wash your hands

I spent more than three years working at a school-aged daycare. While kids are considered "germ factories," I always said university students are worse.

Wherever you work, study, or otherwise spend time, wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face.

Soap and water are always best when it comes to washing your hands. But don’t skimp on the scrubbing! The time you spend scrubbing your hands may help kill more germs. Sing through the alphabet or the “Happy Birthday” song to ensure you wash for long enough.

Hand sanitizer or wipes are a good second choice if you can't access a sink.

2. Wipe down surfaces

Clean surfaces with disinfecting wipes regularly to help keep germs at bay.

One option for cleaning surfaces is to use a sanitizing solution with bleach. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides clear steps for making a bleach-based sanitizing solution at home.

• Five (5) tablespoons (tbsp) of bleach per gallon (4.5 liters) of room-temperature water or
• Four (4) teaspoons (tsp) of bleach per quart (950 milliliters) of room-temperature water

Spray the solution and let air dry or wait at least one (1) minute before wiping down.

If bleach irritates your lungs, there are other options. You can find non-toxic cleaning products at many grocery stores and pharmacies.

3. Check in with your doctor or asthma healthcare team

Your doctor may recommend changes to your asthma care plan before the cold and flu season starts. Plan ahead to keep your asthma medications up to date. This way, you won't be caught off guard while dealing with sneezing and stuffy noses from friends, family, and colleagues.

This is also a good time to ask your doctor for guidance on what to do if you get sick. Make sure you write down their advice in your asthma journal so you're not second-guessing yourself later on.

Your doctor can also tell you if it's a good idea to consider other preventive medications, such as the influenza vaccine, also called the "flu shot." Flu strains change from year to year. Even if you’ve received a flu shot in the past, you may not be protected from current strains.

4. Make healthy lifestyle choices

Cooler seasons might be when you want to snuggle up with a movie, comfort foods, and a blanket rather than work up a sweat. However, practicing healthy habits year-round is essential for preparing for the cold and flu season, especially with asthma or other respiratory illnesses.

Exercise regularly, eat a varied diet, sleep well, and keep stress low to stay healthy. And if you squeeze an asthma-friendly workout in, it might be the right time to reward yourself with a warm bowl of soup and a feel-good movie.

The takeaway

Staying healthy during the colder months is simple but can take some work. Start by making small changes to control your asthma before fall and winter hit. You’ll need to be ready to fight back when you — or someone in your household — starts to sniffle.

The information presented is solely for educational purposes, not as specific advice for the evaluation, management, or treatment of any condition.

The individual(s) who have written and created the content and whose images appear in this article have been paid by Teva Pharmaceuticals for their contributions. This content represents the opinions of the contributor and does not necessarily reflect those of Teva Pharmaceuticals. Similarly, Teva Pharmaceuticals does not review, control, influence, or endorse any content related to the contributor's websites or social media networks. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered medical advice or recommendations. Consult a qualified medical professional for diagnosis and before beginning or changing any treatment regimen.

NPS-ALL-NP-01489 MARCH 2025