Asthma and COVID-19

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways in your lungs. So, with the coronavirus pandemic still ongoing, how does COVID-19 impact those with asthma?

Are People with Asthma at Risk of Severe Illness From COVID-19?

Studies show that asthma does not raise your chances of getting infected with the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. However, if you do get sick, your symptoms could be worse than other people’s because you already have trouble breathing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to list moderate-to-severe asthma as a chromic lung disease that can make you more likely to have severe illness from COVID-19.

Even though people with asthma are not at the highest risk for COVID-19, it is still important to keep your asthma under control. Common medications you may take for asthma or allergies do not increase your risk of getting COVID-19. They will help you keep your asthma under control, and you are at a greater risk for having an asthma attack if you stop taking your medications.  Continue taking these medications as prescribed:

• Quick-relief medicine (inhaler)
• Inhaled corticosteroids (controller medicines)
• Oral corticosteroids
• Biologics
• Antihistamines
• Proton pump inhibitors for acid reflux
• Nasal allergy sprays
• Allergy shots

How Can I Avoid Getting COVID-19?

The following steps can help you avoid COVID-19, the flu and other respiratory infections.

• Get your vaccines. Vaccines can help protect you and everyone else from getting a respiratory infection, but they also cut down your symptom severity if you do get sick. Everyone who is 5 years or older can get the COVID-19 vaccines for free in the U.S. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone age 6 months and older with rare exceptions.
• Weak a mask. Face masks can help reduce the spread of the coronavirus and can benefit both vaccinated and unvaccinated people. Wear a mask that fits snugly on your face, and covers your nose, mouth and beard completely. Weak a mask when you leave your home, if you are caring for someone at home who is sick, and if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
• Keep a physical distance from people outside your household. In general, the more closely you interact with other people and the longer that interaction may be, the higher the risk of coronavirus or flu spread. Try to stay home if possible when these illnesses are spreading in your community. Avoid large crowds of people, especially in indoor locations. When in public, keep at least 6 feet apart. Stay away from people who are sick or have been in contact with someone who is sick. Even when you’re at home with family, don’t share makeup, food, dishes or eating utensils.
• Wash your hands properly and often. Use soap and warm water to wash your hands for 20 to 30 seconds. Always wash your hands before and after eating and after coughing or sneezing. If you don’t have water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that is at least 60 percent ethyl alcohol or 70 isopropyl alcohol.
• Make sure your indoor spaces are well-ventilated and have good indoor air quality. Unhealthy indoor air can be full of asthma triggers and allergens that can cause symptoms and make your asthma harder to control. Keep our indoor spaces well-ventilated by opening windows or doors, using fans, running air cleaners or using proper air filters in your HVAC system.
• Take care of your health. Take your asthma control medicines as directed to keep your airways open. Eat well and get enough sleep. Seasonal allegories can affect people with allergic asthma, so be sure to follow your allergy treatment plan to keep your allergies under control.

Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19 and Asthma?

Common COVID-19 symptoms include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• A dry cough
• Loss of appetite
• Body aches
• Shortness of breath
• Headache
• Loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Symptoms of asthma include:

• Chest tightness
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• A whistling or wheezing sound when you breathe out

Source: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, WebMD
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