In today’s world of varying flu strains, asthmatics just can’t seem to get a breather. A new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that people with asthma exhibit worse symptoms when they get the flu because they have weaker immune systems. In turn, the flu can also worsen asthma symptoms, so the flu season can be a lose-lose situation for those with the chronic disease.

To understand why, researchers at the University of Southampton in England assessed lung samples from both asthmatic and nonasthmatic patients. They found the samples from nonasthmatics had immune systems that could fight the flu virus. The immune systems were significantly weaker in those with asthma.

The lead author of the study said the results may help doctors and researchers better understand why asthmatics are more likely to end up in the hospital when fighting a flu virus. Further research could examine whether the weaker immune system response is due solely to the disease or perhaps is a result of the medications commonly prescribed to curb asthma symptoms.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urge those with asthma to get a flu vaccine each year. Other steps to avoid a trip to the hospital include staying away from others who are sick with the flu, washing your hands often, not touching common germ-spreading areas such as your eyes, nose and mouth, and regularly disinfecting surfaces at home.

If you do begin having flu-like symptoms, schedule a visit with your doctor because prompt treatment is recommended for those at high risk of serious flu complications.