If you have asthma, you are said to be among those at greater risk in the coronavirus pandemic, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI).
It’s important to keep your asthma well-controlled, so continued use of medications is recommended. No asthma medications – including inhaled corticosteroids and biologics – have been shown to increase the risk of picking up the Covid-19 virus, according to the ACAAI.
The group also added, if asthma patients do get the virus, there’s no information that asthma medications will make the infection worse.
The ACAAI recommends contacting your doctor if you have any questions or concerns, have trouble breathing or your asthma symptoms become more severe.
Keep control
The ACAAI advises those with asthma or those who may have immunodeficiency to continue with treatments. Nebulizers should be used and cleaned properly. It’s important that your asthma remains well-controlled.
Other people at higher risk include the elderly, and people with immunodeficiency or other chronic conditions that weaken the immune system.
So far, according to reports, 80% of coronavirus cases are mild and last for a limited time only. Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
The ACAAI is advises the public to follow these recommendations:
- Stay at least 2 metres away from people who are sick.
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Use tissues to cover coughs and sneezes, then discard tissue immediately.
- Clean/disinfect objects and surfaces that are touched often.
- If you’re sick, stay at home.
