Morgan Pediatric Center Featured News
How Flu can Exacerbate Allergy and Asthma Symptoms
Influenza (the flu) can significantly worsen allergy and asthma symptoms by triggering widespread inflammation in the airways. The flu virus irritates the lining of the nose, throat, and lungs, making these tissues more reactive and sensitive. In people with allergies or asthma, this heightened inflammation can amplify symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath even if their condition is usually well controlled.
In addition, the flu can weaken the body’s natural defenses in the respiratory tract. This allows allergens like dust, pollen, or pet dander to provoke stronger reactions than usual and increases the risk of asthma flare-ups. Excess mucus production and airway swelling during flu infection can further narrow the airways, making breathing more difficult and reducing the effectiveness of routine allergy or asthma medications.
Because of these effects, people with allergies and especially those with asthma are at higher risk for severe respiratory symptoms, complications, and prolonged recovery when they get the flu. Preventive measures such as annual flu vaccination, good hand hygiene, and maintaining optimal
control of allergy and asthma symptoms are important steps in protecting respiratory health during flu season.
Operation Heat Help (Gas Utility Assistance)
Operation Heat Help provides financial assistance to qualifying customers by covering up to $100 for the gas portion of their utility bill from November 2025 through February 2026. To be eligible, applicants must be the utility account holder and meet specific monthly household income guidelines, such as a limit of $2,152 for a single-person household or $4,421 for a family of four. While this particular program focuses strictly on natural gas bills, applications are accepted from December 1, 2025, through February 27, 2026, and can be submitted online at the City of Corpus Christi website.