Letters, contributions and comments sent in to the Advertiser this week.

Asthma sufferers need to get the flu jab

Dr Andy Whittamore, clinical lead, Asthma UK, writes:

As we move into ‘flu season’ it’s time for people with asthma to protect themselves against the flu virus.

New analysis by Asthma UK reveals that around 1 million Brits with asthma are at risk because they’re not planning to get the flu vaccine – even though eight in 10 people with asthma say flu is a top trigger for life-threatening asthma attacks.

That’s why Asthma UK is urging people with asthma to get the flu vaccine as soon as possible to reduce their risk of catching the virus and prevent a life-threatening asthma attack.

The flu virus can increase the inflammation in the airways so they can become narrow, leaving people coughing, wheezing and gasping for breath. This increased inflammation also means people are more likely to react to other triggers, such as pollen or pollution, increasing the chance of an asthma attack.

Unfortunately, there are lots of myths about the flu jab not working, causing side effects or causing flu, and our research shows this is preventing people from getting it.

• For more information visit: asthma.org.uk

Stop shaving for charity

Jim Rosenthal, sports broadcaster, writes:

I’m calling on dads, brothers, sons, nephews, grandads and uncles to grow a beard this December and raise money for Bowel Cancer UK.

Taking part in Decembeard is simple.

All you need to do is clean shave on November 30 and let your facial fuzz grow throughout the month.

Already bearded? No problem.

Dye, ditch or decorate your beard and join the campaign.

Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in men and the second biggest cancer killer in the UK.

However it shouldn’t be.

It’s treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early.

Grow a beard this December and raise funds to support vital services and lifesaving research.

• Sign up at bowelcanceruk.org.uk/decembeard