Hugo Alvarez, MD

American Lung Association of Illinois —
Greater Chicago

Hugo Alvarez, MD, knows all too well the dangers influenza and its related complications can cause for people with asthma — even more so when families are not educated on the dangers of influenza and the need to get vaccinated. Dr. Alvarez works with the American Lung Association of Greater Chicago to reach the Hispanic community with important educational information and materials on how to protect themselves and their loved ones from influenza every year.

Dr. Alvarez also serves as the Deputy Medical Officer and Director for Quality Improvement with Access Community Health Network, the nation's largest, private community health center organization, helping nearly 210,000 patients every year.

People with asthma are recommended for immunization against influenza every year. The nation's leading health officials recommend yearly influenza vaccination for all people with asthma and for others who have chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.

"Influenza prevention for people who live with or care for anyone within high-risk groups is critical, especially to help protect those who rely on others for their care, namely persons over 50 years of age as well as young children," Dr. Alvarez says.