Children and adults with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases that limit muscle strength and mobility are at increased risk of serious and possibly life-threatening complications from the flu, so it’s important MDA families stay informed and take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones.

To help families get started, MDA presented the Flu Shot Readiness & Respiratory Health webinar, in partnership with VieMed, a respiratory disease company that uses in-home respiratory therapists and the latest noninvasive therapy technology.

The webinar explored vital 2017-2018 flu shot resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and provided helpful tips and recommendations for meeting your respiratory equipment needs.

Some key tidbits to remember as you plan for the 2017-2018 flu season:

Flu season begins in late September and lasts through May; however, cases peak in December through February.

Although the flu vaccine is recommended for individuals with neuromuscular diseases, check with your physician and MDA Care Center team before obtaining any vaccine, especially if you’re affected by myasthenia gravis, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, or if you’re taking immune-suppressing medications such as corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, Emflaza, deflazacort, prednisolone).

Respiratory complications can be common for people with neuromuscular disorders.

Early intervention is key to staying on top of your respiratory symptoms.

In addition, Lynette Guirdry, VieMed’s neuromuscular liaison and patient educator, led the respiratory wellness portion of the presentation, which focused on the following topics:

Respiratory equipment options

Tips for making the right choice

Processes for obtaining respiratory equipment

For more information and tips to avoid the flu, visit MDA’s Flu Season Support resource center.