Health

Asthma and coronavirus – should I self isolate, and is it considered an underlying health condition?


PEOPLE with asthma are used to seasonal colds and flu aggravating their condition and causing wheezing and coughing.

As coronavirus is known to attack the respiratory system, asthma sufferers are now wondering if the virus is something that they are at a higher risk of catching too.

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 Asthma sufferers will be glad to know they are not at a greater risk of contracting coronavirus
Asthma sufferers will be glad to know they are not at a greater risk of contracting coronavirusCredit: Getty Images – Getty

What’s the risk of catching coronavirus if I have asthma?

According the World Health Organization (WHO), if you have asthma, you may be more vulnerable to contracting the virus.

People with asthma get respiratory infections that can trigger similar symptoms to coronavirus like shortness of breath and coughing.

But, there is no definitive evidence to prove that anyone with asthma is at a greater risk of contracting the COVID-19.

Yet, it is still advised asthma sufferers take extra care when any kind of respiratory illness is spreading, not just coronavirus.

Is asthma considered to be an underlying health condition?

Most people who catch coronavirus only suffer mild effects and are likely to be fine in the future.

But for a small percentage of the public, it can be deadly, including those who already suffer from underlying health issues.

The biggest threat coronavirus poses is to those with weaker immune systems, and long-term or chronic illnesses.

Asthma, while not considered to be an underlying health issue, is still a condition to be aware of during this outbreak as sufferers already have breathing problems.

This could lead to the virus causing an infection to the respiratory tract.

Even if an asthma sufferer doesn’t contract coronavirus, respiratory viruses like these can trigger symptoms which can lead to an asthma attack.

Should I self-isolate if I have asthma?

It has been recommended that people with asthma should avoid unnecessary interactions.

This has been labelled ‘social distancing’, which has been put in place to cut down the spread of the virus.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in his press conference on Sunday that vulnerable people – including those with serious medical conditions – should self-isolate for 12 weeks.

This would amount to 1.5m people staying indoors in a bid to keep them from catching coronavirus from others.

It was not stated whether asthma sufferers were included in this, but that those affected would receive a letter to inform them.

Either way, it remains advised that anyone with a health condition related to breathing should remain cautious, with Asthma UK telling sufferers of the disease that they should:

  • Avoid unnecessary interactions with other people including large gatherings, shaking hands with people or hugging them, and unnecessary travel, especially on public transport
  • Avoid going to public venues like bars, restaurants and cinemas
  • Where possible, work from home
  • Self-isolation is not needed, but keep contact with others to a minimum

As there has been no proven scientific link between asthma and coronavirus, these measures have been put in place to keep people with asthma safe and prevent the likelihood of contracting the disease.

The best thing to do for those with asthma is to keep your pump close by, avoid unneccesary human contact and to start a peak flow diary.

Also if you smoke, now will be a good time to quit as smoking will increase your risk from COVID-19.

 

 





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