Are people with asthma at higher risk of contracting COVID-19?
There is no reason to think that people with asthma are more likely than others to contract Coronavirus. In case a person with asthma contracts Coronavirus they may be more likely to develop a serious illness if they are over the age of 50, have severe asthma.
The primary point is to do what you can, as you usually would to avoid cold and flu; pay close attention to personal hygiene, wash hands regularly, avoid close contact with people with symptoms and obtain a flu vaccination as soon as possible.
How do I know if my asthma is well-controlled?
If you're not sure your asthma is well controlled, call your pediatrician or other asthma care provider. Well controlled asthma usually means you are:
- You do not have any breathing difficulties, cough or wheeze most days
- You sleep through the night without awakening due to asthma symptoms like cough, wheeze, or chest tightness
- you can exercise without having any asthma symptoms
- You do not miss any work or school due to asthma
- You have a normal lung function (spirometry) test
- You do not need to use your rescue inhaler more than 3 times per week (except for exercise)
This would be a good time to review your asthma control and management plan with your doctor. Many providers can check on your asthma and make changes to asthma action plans or medications by telephone.
If I become unwell what should I do?
If you do become unwell follow your asthma action plan and if you continue to experience symptoms visit your doctor. If you have cough/cold/flu like symptoms, fever, and difficulty breathing, see your doctor urgently or attend your closest emergency department.
Should I get the flu vaccine?
Yes, getting a flu vaccine during 2020-2021 is more important than ever because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Flu vaccination is especially important for people who are at high risk from flu; many of whom are also at high risk for COVID-19 or serious outcomes.
Do the steroids in my asthma inhaler weaken my immune system?
There is no evidence to suggest that the corticosteroids in your preventer inhaler affect your immune system in any negative way.
Should I still use my inhaled corticosteroids?
You may have read the information that corticosteroids should be avoided for people with Coronavirus (COVID-19). It is important to note this is referring to ORAL corticosteroids, and does not include INHALED corticosteroids. If you do become unwell with Coronavirus (COVID-19), keep taking your regular asthma preventer according to your prescription. Inhaled corticosteroids are a key component of your asthma preventer medicine and help reduce the inflammation in your airways. It is critical that people prescribed inhaled preventers continue to use these to maintain their asthma control.
Do not take oral (systemic) steroids unless your doctor has advised you to do so, or it is included as part of your worsening plan for asthma on your written Asthma Action Plan. These medications act on your whole body, not just your lungs, and may slow down your recovery from the virus.
What are tips for people with asthma?
What should people with asthma do before travel?
- Visit your doctor for an asthma review. Ask your doctor to update your Asthma Action Plan and write a report on your asthma that includes your medical history, the severity of your condition, your current medication and what treatment you need in case of medical attention.
- Read the travel advice for your destination, and for the countries, you need to transit through to get there and get home.
- If you are traveling by car, you must keep the car windows closed and operate the air conditioner to avoid dust and smoke.
- Have enough medication to manage your asthma or an asthma attack if one occurred in his luggage bag.
- If you use inhaler, carry it with your asthma medication in your hand luggage.
- Make sure that there is a health center near to where you will stay to manage an asthma attack that did not respond to immediate treatment.
When should I seek emergency care?
Asthma action plan gives you information regarding when use your asthma medications and when to seek emergency medical care or call 999. It is important to identify the early warning signs. Go to the emergency room immediately if you are having symptoms that include:
- can't catch your breath, speak in full sentences, or walk because of breathing difficulties
- movement of the muscles in between the ribs, abdomen and/or in the neck
- turning a bluish or grayish color around your mouth or fingernails,
- making grunting noises, head bobbing, not responding to albuterol treatments
- feeling drowsy or confused
Your emergency action plan can provide more details about when to seek immediate or emergency care.
How can I help prevent myself from having an asthma attacks during the pandemic?
Follow your asthma management plan and take your controller medications as prescribed. Know when to step up care and when to call your asthma care provider. In addition, there are other steps you can take:
- Go smoke-free. People with asthma should avoid asthma triggers such as tobacco smoke.
- Avoid allergy triggers. Try to reduce exposure to known allergy triggers, which can also aggravate asthma. For example, if you are allergic to tree pollen, you might want to keep windows closed to reduce exposure. Cleaning is important to help reduce allergens. If you are sensitive to certain cleaning products, turn on a fan, open a window, or try switching to less irritating products.
- Reduce stress. Stress can be another trigger for asthma, and these are certainly stressful times. Taking a walk outside (still staying physically distanced) and keeping active can help to reduce stress.
Are there special considerations for pregnant women with asthma?
There are fewer data for pregnant asthmatic women with COVID-19. However, the CDC does indicate that those with moderate to severe asthma might be at a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. In one study of 46 pregnant women with COVID-19 infection, four had asthma. Of the six women with severe disease in that study, two had asthma, but one was overweight and the other was obese with hypertension. Current recommendations emphasize the need to maintain asthma control during pregnancy. Reducing controller therapy could put pregnant women with asthma at increased risk of an asthma exacerbation necessitating medical care, which could then put them at an increased risk of being exposed to COVID-19.
Note:Please note that the information on this document is for general guidance purposes only. This information does not replace information provided directly to you by your medical practitioner.
