Improving Your Asthma and Allergy Health

Update – Feb. 18, 2021 We have updated this blog post with information on new state and Healthcare.gov special open enrollment periods. We have also included information on how health insurance access affects asthma disparities. Access to health care is an important part of managing asthma and allergy symptoms. But many people – especially Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous Americans – don’t have access to health insurance that would make health care affordable. This contributes to asthma...

Update – Feb. 12, 2021 We updated this blog post to include updated face mask guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Face masks have become essential tools in our fight against COVID-19 (the new coronavirus) . But wearing a face mask raises many questions for people with asthma . Why Do We Need to Wear Face Masks During the COVID-19 Pandemic? Physical distancing (also known as social distancing) helps slow the spread of COVID-19. So why do we need to wear face...

It’s almost Valentine’s Day! It’s a time to show your love. But it's also a time for people with asthma and allergies to be extra careful about their triggers. When celebrating Valentine's Day, show you care by being inclusive of people with asthma and allergies. If you give your sweetheart a bottle of perfume or a beautiful bouquet, it could make them sneeze and wheeze. What Are Common Asthma and Allergy Triggers In Valentine's Day Treats? Many popular Valentine’s Day gifts and activities...

If you have asthma, or live with someone who does, you need to know about respiratory infections. They affect the nose, sinuses, throat, and airways. They are a major cause of asthma symptoms and attacks. And some infections can lead to other serious conditions, like pneumonia. People with asthma and people close to them need to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses. Common respiratory infections include: The flu (influenza) COVID-19 (caused by the new coronavirus) Pneumococcal...

Updated 1/27: The new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is still highly active through the U.S. Read the current recommendations for people with asthma including symptoms, wearing masks and effective disinfecting of surfaces.

A healthy living space begins with good indoor air quality (IAQ) . Allergens, scents, chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and outdoor air pollution can affect the IAQ in your home. Good IAQ is an important part of asthma and allergy management. But asthma triggers and allergens can hide all over our homes. So where do you begin when it comes to making your home healthier? Some asthma and allergy triggers are easy to spot – such as allergens like dust and mold. But there are other...

Like many organizations, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The asthma and allergy community has been heavily impacted by several events of 2020: The public health emergency and economic recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic Loss of health care or delayed access to medications due to the pandemic Record-breaking wildfires and health impacts related to natural disasters and air pollution Widespread upheaval over racial...

COVID-19 and the flu – respiratory infections that can trigger asthma symptoms – spread easily from person to person. Shopping in crowded stores can increase the spread of respiratory infections. Luckily, there are options to help you protect yourself and others. Many of the same items you can buy in stores are available through at-home shopping. Health Benefits to Shopping From Home Many people shop from home because of how easy it is to have items delivered right to your door. You don’t...

If you have eczema (atopic dermatitis) or care for someone who does, watch our recorded webinar, “Taking Charge of My Eczema.”

"Recent media reports of reactions to the new Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, first out of the U.K. and now one report in the United States are stirring safety concerns for people with a history of serious allergies. It’s important to remember that we still don’t have the full details regarding the specifics of any of these reported reactions. Allergists, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are all keeping an eye on these...

Holiday decorations make your home fun and festive. But they can also bring in asthma triggers and allergens. How do you deck the halls while keeping a healthy home? Here are five asthma & allergy friendly® tips for a healthier home for the holidays.

Dr. Vin Gupta joined the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) to talk about COVID-19, the flu, and managing asthma on Dec. 10, 2020. He answered questions from viewers on: Protecting yourself from the flu and COVID-19 while managing asthma The flu and COVID-19 vaccines Helping students manage asthma in school during COVID-19 Note: We recorded this webinar before the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. We connected with several members...