Asthma and COVID-19: What you need to know

As the COVID-19 outbreak continues, people with asthma have special concerns and questions about how the virus might affect their condition.

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that can affect your nose, throat and lungs. People with asthma may be at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. The virus can cause an asthma attack and possibly lead to pneumonia and acute respiratory disease.

One small study shows asthma doesn’t raise the chances of getting infected with the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. But if those with asthma do get sick, symptoms could be worse than others because they already have problems breathing.

Currently, there is no specific treatment for or vaccine to prevent COVID-19, so the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

Those with asthma should take the same COVID-19 precautions as everyone else:

• Practice social distancing. Avoid crowds and avoid close contact (less than six feet) with people who are sick.
• Stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed. Stay home if you’re sick.
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Use tissues to cover coughs and sneezes, then throw tissues in the trash.
• Clean/disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• If someone in your home is sick, have them stay away from the rest of the household to reduce the risk of spreading the virus in your home.
• Avoid sharing personal household items such as cups and towels.

If you have asthma, here are some additional steps to take to protect your health during the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Follow your asthma action plan, including monitoring peak flows.
• Keep taking your asthma medicine exactly as prescribed. It’s important to keep your asthma under control to prevent swelling in the airways.
• Know how to use your inhaler.
• Clean your nebulizer well.
• Avoid your asthma triggers—whether it’s smoke, dust mites, air pollution, or others—and do your best to avoid them.
• Talk to your health care provider, insurer, and pharmacist about creating an emergency supply of prescription medications, such as asthma inhalers. Make sure you have 30 days of non-prescription medications, food, and household supplies on hand.
• If you can’t get extra medications locally, consider using mail-order for medications.

If you do develop symptoms such as wheezing and cough, treat your asthma as your doctor has instructed you and give them a call. Fevers are unusual in asthma, so make sure your provider is aware if you are running a fever. Even though there’s a good chance your symptoms are not caused by COVID-19, it’s important to let your doctor know about your illness. Your doctor will ask you a few questions that will help them decide if you should come to their office, go to the emergency room, or stay home.

During this stressful time, it’s natural to feel concerned or anxious. Strong emotions can trigger an asthma attack. Be kind to yourself and take steps to cope with stress and anxiety: take care of your body, connect with others, take breaks and seek help when needed.

Mount Nittany Health is committed to the health, safety and well-being of its patients, staff and community. We are prepared for potential infectious disease outbreaks, whether its measles, flu or new viruses like coronavirus as part of our commitment to prevent disease and ensure a healthy community for all. We rigorously follow the guidance from the CDC and Pennsylvania Department of Health for screening and testing of patients for COVID-19; ensuring all levels of protection for our patients, staff and community.

As the situation continues to evolve, we have taken steps to prepare and protect our community, including limiting visitors in our facilities at Mount Nittany Health, except for special circumstances and rescheduling elective and nonessential services and screenings. We continue to evaluate and will announce further measures as needed with the focus on our community’s health and well-being.

A dedicated coronavirus information phone line is available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. at 231-7111. For more information on ways to stay safe and ways Mount Nittany Health is responding to coronavirus, please visit mountnittany.org/coronavirus.