Health

First official NHS guidelines on coronavirus and asthma released


ASTHMA sufferers are thought to be at greater risk of being more severely affected by coronavirus.

And in a bid to help those with the respiratory condition, the NHS has now released its first official guidelines on what asthmatics should be doing during the pandemic.

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 Asthma sufferers are thought to be at greater risk of being more severely affected by coronavirus

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Asthma sufferers are thought to be at greater risk of being more severely affected by coronavirusCredit: Getty – Contributor

It comes after The World Health Organization (WHO) also listed asthma, along with diabetes and heart disease, as a condition that makes someone “more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.”

In particular, The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the body who set NHS guidelines, urge asthmatics to continue to take their treatment as prescribed.

Sufferers should be taking their preventer inhaler every day as prescribed, and keeping their reliever inhaler with them all the time so they can use it if their symptoms get worse.

NICE also say those with asthma should regularly clean equipment such as face masks and mouth pieces, and that they should not share their inhalers and devices with anyone else.

The guidelines state asthmatics should only attend essential appointments alone, if possible, to minimise the risk of infection.

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Asthma UK are emphasising to sufferers that the condition doesn’t make you more likely to get coronavirus, but unfortunately if people with long-term lung conditions like asthma get coronavirus, it can be more severe.

Jessica Kirby, Head of Health Advice at Asthma UK, said“People with lung conditions are more likely to experience complications and need hospital treatment.

“Any respiratory infection can cause problems for people with asthma, and so far, evidence shows that coronavirus is no different.”

Asthma UK have told those with the condition that amid the coronavirus they should:

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

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The NHS says you need to self-isolate if you have symptoms of coronavirus or live with someone who does or are in the “high risk” category.

The Head of Health Advice at Asthma UK added: “The best thing you can do to reduce the risk of an asthma attack being triggered by a virus is to ensure your asthma is as well managed as possible.

“This means taking your preventer inhaler every day as prescribed, and keeping your reliever inhaler with you all the time so you can use it if your symptoms get worse.

“If your asthma symptoms get worse, and you haven’t travelled to an at-risk area or been in contact with someone who has, make an appointment to see your GP as soon as you can. If you think you might have coronavirus, use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service.”

Ms Kirby also said anyone having an asthma attack should follow the steps on their asthma action plan and call 999 for an ambulance if needed.

She added: “The best thing people with asthma can do to cut the risk of getting coronavirus is to follow the NHS guidance, which is regularly updated.”

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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 unnecessary 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.

Asthma symptoms – Medical doctor Alvin Singh explains what asthma looks, feels, and sounds like





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