Asthma and Covid-19: What you should know

Taking the proper precautions is critical for asthma sufferers. But there is conflicting evidence about the risks. The CDC has declared that moderate-to-severe asthma has an increased risk of severe illness from Covid-19. It can lead to pneumonia and acute respiratory illness. But don’t panic. The vast majority of studies have concluded that there is no direct risk for asthma patients. 

Here’s the tricky thing: Some studies have suggested that people who have non-allergic asthma might be at increased risk. Non-allergic asthma is triggered by exercise, stress, air pollution, and weather conditions. So caution is the key.

Among asthmatic patients, high-risk factors are:

• Exacerbation history
• Elderly patients with asthmatic exacerbation history are at two-fold higher risk of mortality than patients without exacerbation history.
• Reduced Immunity
• Reduced anti-viral immune response.

While people with asthma are not at the highest risk when it comes to Covid-19, the foremost thing you can do right now is to keep your asthma under control. 

• Keep following your asthma action plan.
• Continue taking your controller medications as it will prevent an asthmatic attack, helping you to avoid a visit to emergency departments, where there is a higher risk of exposure to Covid-19. 
• Continue using inhalers with steroids as it is the foremost effective treatment.
• Do not stop any medication or change your plan without discussing it with your healthcare provider.
• Keep a 30-day’ supply of medicine in case of long stays at home.

Reduce asthma triggers:

• Avoid any asthma triggers such as smoke, tobacco, air pollution, dust, pets, pests, and mold.
• Disinfect your house with the help of a person who doesn’t have asthma. 
• Avoid acid reflux and strenuous physical exercise that can trigger asthmatic attacks. 
• Avoid stress and anxiety, which can both trigger asthma attacks. 

Precautions to avoid Covid-19

• Wash hands
• Maintain six feet of distance with others
• Avoid close contact with anyone outside of close family members
• Wear a mask
• Avoid cruise travel and other unnecessary travel
• Stay at home to reduce the risk of exposure
• If someone from your home is feeling sick, keep them away from others to avoid spreading the virus. 

The best strategy: Get the vaccine

Florida is currently in Phase 1 of vaccine distribution. If you are older than 65, you are eligible for a shot right now. Community health centers and pharmacies are working in collaboration to make the vaccine available to the eligible population. You can also get details on public health websites and toll-free vaccination numbers. In the coming months, other age groups will become eligible. 

The bottom line for asthma patients is not to worry and just keep practicing what you’ve been doing. Take your prescribed medications regularly and contact your healthcare provider if any new signs or symptoms emerge.

Ocana Medical Care, located in Tampa, FL, aims to bring you as much information in advance as possible to be sure you have all the knowledge as we do regarding the vaccine and its safety for seniors. In order to protect your health and others, we advise all seniors to get the vaccine as soon as possible. 

We’re in this together. #ocanacares