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Find a store near youApproximately 2.7 million Australians have been diagnosed with asthma. It is understandable that people with asthma are worried about COVID-19 and how it might affect them. At this stage, there is no evidence that an asthmatic patient is more likely to contract or get severely ill from the infection. What we do know is that respiratory viruses, such as cold and flu, can cause worsening asthma symptoms, so it is likely that COVID-19 could do the same. There are actions asthmatics can take to minimise the impact of this and other viral infections. Having good control of your asthma is a good starting point to reducing your risk.
Signs of good asthma control:
• Able to do all usual activities with no symptoms
• No symptoms during the night or early in the morning on waking
• Having daytime symptoms, no more than two days per week
• Need for reliever no more than two days per week (not including use before exercise)
Most people who suffer from asthma require a preventor medication, however, these are not always used regularly by patients. It is important that if you have been prescribed a preventer inhaler, that you continue to take it throughout the COVID-19 and flu season to increase your chances of staying well. If these medications are stopped, it could increase the risk of an exacerbation of asthma symptoms and potentially, hospitalisation.
Having a written asthma action plan is a good way to know exactly what to do when asthma symptoms worsen. You should decide upon your plan with your doctor. Pharmacists can assist you in documenting your action plan.
It is thought that the use of a nebuliser during this time may spread infectious droplets. In fact, in the case of an acute asthma attack, the recommended Asthma First Aid protocol is to provide the person with 4 puffs of their reliever puffer via a spacer advising the person to take 4 breaths after each puff.
It is important to regularly review and ensure your inhaler technique is correct. Whilst our pharmacists aren’t conducting inhaler technique checks at this time, we can still provide practical advice and can direct you to the National Asthma Council Australia’s online resources. Of course, our pharmacists are available to provide advice on medication and trigger management, offer medication reminder services and help with action planning.
