Are people with asthma more susceptible to coronavirus? What asthmatics need to know amid Covid-19 outbreak – Morpeth Herald

People with weaker immune systems and long-term illnesses are most at risk of coronavirus (Photo: Shutterstock)

As coronavirus continues to spread across the UK, with more than 5,600 confirmed cases, there are growing fears over who is most vulnerable to contracting the potentially deadly virus.

Public Health England (PHE) has warned that those with weaker immune systems and long-term illnesses are most at risk - but what does that mean for asthma sufferers?

On Monday 16 March, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced in his latest briefing that people in vulnerable groups will be asked to stay at home for 12 weeks.

The virus poses the biggest threat to those with weaker immune systems and long-term, or chronic, respiratory illnesses, such as asthma.

Asthma sufferers are thought to be at greater risk of being more severely affected by coronavirus, which causes an infection in the respiratory tract and can cause difficulties with breathing.

The government is currently advising those who are at increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus to follow strict social distancing measures where possible, in an effort to reduce the transmission of the virus.

This includes avoiding non-essential use of public transport, working from home where possible, avoiding large gatherings and those in smaller public spaces, such as pubs, cinemas, restaurants and theatres, and avoiding gatherings with family and friends.

The following groups of people are advised to follow these measures if they are:

aged 70 or older (regardless of medical conditions)

under 70 with an underlying health condition listed below (i.e anyone instructed to get a flu jab as an adult each year on medical grounds):

chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis

chronic heart disease, such as heart failure

chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis

chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinsons disease, motor neurone disease, multiple

sclerosis (MS), a learning disability or cerebral palsy

problems with your spleen for example, sickle cell disease or if you have had your spleen removed

a weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy

being seriously overweight (a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above)

The current advice for at risk groups is to be stringent in following social distancing measures, meaning those in this category should stop non-essential contact with others.

Asthma UK has advised that those with long-term lung conditions, including asthma, should start to reduce the amount of contact they have with others in an effort to suppress the spread and stay safe.

Those who have asthma and have no symptoms of coronavirus are advised to take the following precautions:

Wash your hands often with soap and warm water

Use tissues to wipe your nose or catch a sneeze, and then put them in the bin straight away

Dont touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands arent clean

Avoid unnecessary interactions with other people, such as large gatherings, shaking hands with people or hugging them, and unnecessary travel, especially on public transport. You should also avoid going to public venues like bars, restaurants and cinemas. If possible in your job, try to work from home

You do not need to stay inside your house at all times or self-isolate, just try to cut down the number of people you meet with on a daily basis and keep your distance from people when you see them

Carry on taking all your usual asthma medicines as normal

If someone in your home develops symptoms of coronavirus, you will need to stay in your home for 14 days

If you have asthma and you are displaying symptoms of coronavirus (a new continuous cough or a fever), you should follow this advice:

Stay in your home for seven days if you live on your own, or 14 days if you live with others. Everyone in your household will need to stay in the house for 14 days

If you have mild symptoms, you can stay at home

If your symptoms dont go away after seven days, or get worse, or you are having difficulty breathing, call 111 for advice, or 999 if you need emergency care. Tell them that you have asthma and if your asthma symptoms are getting worse

If you get an asthma cough and are not sure whether your cough is a symptom of coronavirus or related to your asthma, speak to your GP, use the online 111 service or call 111 to ensure that you get the right care

If you are having an asthma attack, call 999 for an ambulance as usual, and tell them you have coronavirus symptoms

Carry on taking all your usual asthma medicines as normal

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.

The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals.

As this is such a new illness, experts still arent sure how it is spread. But, similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Therefore, covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.

The NHS states that the symptoms are: a dry cough, high temperature and shortness of breath - but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat. Its important to remember that some people may become infected but wont develop any symptoms or feel unwell.

Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.

As of Monday 16 March the government advised that everyone should be observing social distancing - avoiding unnecessary travel and working from home where possible. Anyone with a cough or cold symptoms now needs to self-isolate with their entire household for 14 days.

The government has now instructed bars, restaurants and theatres to close and will review on a month to month basis. Schools closed from Friday 20 March for the foreseeable future, and exams have been cancelled.

The over 70s or anyone who is vulnerable or living with an underlying illness are being asked to be extra careful and stay at home to self-isolate. People with serious underlying health conditions will be contacted and strongly advised to undertake "shielding" for 12 weeks.

For more information on government advice, please check their website gov.uk

The advice now is to avoid public places and any non-essential travel. Travel abroad is also being advised against for the next 30 days at least, and many European countries have closed their borders.

Dont go to your GP but instead call NHS 111 or look online at the coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and what to do next. nhs.uk/covid-19

NHS 111 should be used if you feel unwell with coronavirus symptoms, have been in a country with a high risk of coronavirus in the last 14 days or if you have been in close contact with someone with the virus.

Sources: World Health Organisation and NHS

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Are people with asthma more susceptible to coronavirus? What asthmatics need to know amid Covid-19 outbreak - Morpeth Herald