** Please see all of our latest COVID-19 updates here. **
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently warned that people with asthma may be at higher risk of becoming very sick from COVID-19 than others. The virus can affect your respiratory tract, meaning your nose, throat, or lungs. This can cause an asthma attack, and even possibly lead to pneumonia and acute respiratory disease.
Because of these high-risk factors and the lack of a specific treatment or vaccine yet, the CDC has released these guidelines for high risk people (people with asthma):
- Stock up on supplies
- Practice safe social distancing (at least six feet apart)
- Avoid people who are sick
- Avoid crowds as much as possible
- Avoid all non-essential travel
Follow the steps in your Asthma Action Plan:
Take your asthma medication exactly as prescribed.
If you haven’t already, consider talking with your doctor, insurer, and pharmacist about stocking up on your supply of prescription medications. Also be sure to have a 30 days supply of non-prescription medications.
Understand how to use your inhaler.
The CDC has multiple videos and step-by-step instructions you can find here.
Avoid your asthma triggers.
Common asthma triggers can include tobacco smoke, dust mites, outdoor air pollution, pets, mold, burning wood smoke, and more. Breathing in cold, dry air can also trigger an asthma attack, so take precaution if you are exercising outdoors now.
Clean and disinfect your home and car.
Especially clean any items and surfaces that you touch frequently, such as doorknobs, light switches, countertops, phones, toilets, faucets, and cabinets.
Do your best to manage anxiety and stress.
Strong emotions can trigger an asthma attack. In these times it is natural to feel concern and worry about the COVID-19 situation, so take proper steps to help yourself cope.
The CDC believes that COVID-19 symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure. If you feel sick, contact your doctor right away.
If you have any concerns regarding your asthma treatment, or have any questions about an appointment, please contact us today.