Winter warning: is your asthma plan ready for Super-K?

A fast-moving influenza strain dubbed “Super-K” has prompted an urgent warning for millions of residents living with asthma.

With winter approaching, the National Asthma Council Australia is advising the 2.8 million Australians with the condition to get their annual vaccinations.

The circulating Super-K strain poses a particular threat to those with respiratory issues, as viral infections are responsible for at least 80 per cent of all asthma flare-ups.

Clinical Associate Professor Debbie Rigby warned the risk of catching respiratory viruses spikes as people spend more time together indoors during the colder months.

“If you have asthma, any of these viruses can cause a cold which has the potential to develop into an asthma flare-up,” she said.

“Seniors who have asthma are already at greater risk of more severe respiratory viral disease, so they are particularly vulnerable.

“It is best to take a proactive approach now and schedule an asthma check-up at the doctor to review your asthma action plan.”

The seasonal warning follows a significant shift in the Australian Asthma Handbook guidelines.

Health experts now recommend that most patients move away from a total reliance on “blue” reliever puffers, which only mask symptoms, in favour of anti-inflammatory inhaled corticosteroids that treat underlying airway sensitivity.

“This will help airways to be less inflamed and sensitive, which helps to resist the effects of viral infections that can trigger serious asthma flares,” Associate Professor Rigby said.