Your best defense against the flu this year is a good offense, especially if you are among the 23 million people who have asthma.

As the world braces for the 2009-2010 flu season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) advice is loud and clear: Get vaccinated. This year’s flu season is fully expected to bring another surge of the novel H1N1 or “swine flu” virus, in addition to the other forms of the seasonal flu. While the CDC has advised everyone to be vaccinated, people with asthma are in the top five priority target groups. Because asthma, seasonal flu and swine flu are respiratory conditions, the viruses can trigger more frequent and severe asthma attacks, resulting in a more severe case and longer recovery.

Pregnant women, young children 6 months to 4 years of age, children ages 5 to 18 who have chronic medical conditions, those who care for children younger than 6 months of age and health care workers with direct patient contact have been identified as those who should receive the vaccine first if it is in limited supply.

While H1N1 never disappeared entirely, the number of cases in the United States dropped as expected during the summer months. However, the anticipated increase in the 2009-2010 fall and winter seasons started unusually early this year, with widespread flu activity already reported in several states as early as August.

If you have asthma and the H1N1 vaccination is not available when you first seek it, the CDC recommends that you get the seasonal flu vaccine and return to your health care provider or a public health clinic to request the H1N1 vaccination. Local news reports and your public health department also may help you determine the availability of the vaccine in your area.

The seasonal flu vaccine can be given separately or on the same day as the H1N1 vaccine. In addition to the vaccine, mom’s advice also applies here: Frequent hand washing (with soap and water or alcohol-based hand cleaners) and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze are two of the best ways to stay healthy and prevent the spread of flu. Other preventive tips from the CDC:

• Stay home when you have the flu to prevent spreading it to others.
• Keep your distance from those who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, which are the most common ways to spread germs.
• Take care of yourself: Get plenty of sleep each night, drink lots of fluids, eat nutritious foods, stay active and reduce stress.