If You Have Asthma, Here's The Most Important Thing You Can Do Right Now

If you have Asthma you likely know that you are in a higher risk category for COVID-19.

Now, that doesn’t mean you have a higher chance of contracting it, you just have a higher chance of becoming sicker and having a harder time fighting the virus.

“Just having asthma or any other chronic lung disease doesn’t in and of itself predispose the individual to a higher likelihood of contracting COVID-19 any more than for influenza or other infectious disease,” Dr. Albert Rizzo, Chief Medical Officer of the American Lung Association, told Newsweek.

“Having a chronic lung disease like asthma does put one at a higher risk of having more severe symptoms or complications of COVID-19 once infected.”

According to the WHO and the CDC, the highest risk groups include:

People who have traveled in China, Iran, South Korea and Europe
People caring for someone who is ill with the coronavirus
People over age 60
People with chronic medical conditions such as:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Asthma

So, what can you do if you have asthma?

For starters, people with asthma should take precautions with any respiratory illnesses that spread rapidly and take the usual steps of frequent hand washing and social distancing.

With over 2.5 million Americans suffering from asthma, we have to take extra precautions for them by not exposing them to the Coronavirus.

In addition, there are other ways that those with Asthma can help stay healthy and safe…

According to Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, those with asthma can:

Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 to 30 seconds, always after coughing or sneezing. If you don’t have access to running water, use an alcohol-based hand cleanser that is at least 60% alcohol.
Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
Stay away from people who are sick or have been in contact with someone who is sick.
Don’t share makeup, food, dishes or eating utensils.
Take your daily asthma medicines to keep your asthma under control.

They also mention that the most IMPORTANT thing people with asthma can do is:

The most important way you can protect yourself right now is to keep your asthma under control. If your asthma is not under control, call your doctor right away.

They also mention stocking up on necessary medication which may include a 30-day supply just in case.