We have updated this blog post to reflect more recent information on the 2019 new coronavirus (COVID-19). Even though coronavirus numbers have risen worldwide, people in the U.S. are still at a greater risk of getting the flu. Keep washing your hands and avoiding people who are sick. And don't forget to follow your Asthma Action Plan if you start feeling ill.

My husband has adult-onset asthma and controls it with daily medication, however, I am still concerned what would happen to him if he contracted coronavirus, since I've seen him battle numerous sinus infections and suffer considerably. He is a college instructor and is exposed to many people on a daily basis. I do not have asthma, but also want to avoid becoming ill so I don't infect him, so we are both on a daily vitamin regimen of immune-boosting vitamins, including D3, C, fish oil, B2,...

Hi Candace, thanks for your comprehensive reply. I think it's a smart move to boost your immune system with supplements, fruits and veggies. Since my husband also has a history of illness (though related to the pancreas), he spent a lot of time researching supplements and we are well-equipped I believe. Concerning the number of infections: I'm based in Germany and referring to the situation here. Indeed, chancellor Merkel herself admitted today that 60-70% of Germans will be infected: ...

Hi! thanks for sharing your tips on how your and husband stay healthy. Just a precaution, people should always check with their health care provider before starting any supplements or even vitamins to make sure they will not interfere with current medications. Eating a healthy diet and exercising are great strategies to staying healthy throughout the year. Again, talking to a health care provider to ensure diet and exercise are safe is recommended. Grape juice contains a lot of sugar, so...

Sometimes. Sometimes it is exhausting feeling ill the time, so I try to disengage from what is happening to my body. I very seldom get a fever, even with pneumonia.

I understand completely. It can be exhausting to live with chronic conditions and we all need to find a way cope, which is challenging. All we can do is follow the guidelines to distance ourselves from people and places, and pay attention to our bodies for anything that feels different. Please keep us updated on how your are feeling - sending health vibes! Lorene

Im a nurse aid and i bought N95 masks in January. I get that there is short supply, but for people who already have their own bbn personal ones to protect themselves for times like this... why are we being penalized for wanting to save ourselves? I cant save others if im infecting myself. It is unfair to work in hazardous and deadly situations and not be allowed to protect yourself on the job? Why is everyine saying not to wear them? I dont want this disease. So ill die a hero? Well i can...

Hi @JillianW , I understand your concern and frustration. There seems to be mixed messages around who should wear a mask. As a nurse aid, you are a healthcare provider and should follow the CDC guidelines for healthcare professionals: https://www.cdc.gov/coronaviru...-nCoV/hcp/index.html It is important to protect yourself and your family. Please take care of yourself! Lorene

The use of nebulizers (specifically nebulizers) can increase the risk of infection of those around you if you are ill, because of aerosolization. Depending on who's around you, infection can be deadly. Continue to follow your normal asthma routine as doctors recommend, but if you fall ill and you use a nebulizer, make sure you know the risk to those around you and prepare yourselves accordingly. Many hospitals have stopped using nebulizers in COVID-19 patients for this reason. It may help...

I have COVID-19 and asthma. I also have other health conditions and am over 65. I am not as ill as I expected (going on two weeks with it). I have to wonder of those of us on corticosteroids have some protection from the inflammation that is so deadly with COVID-19. I have to be on prednisone for adrenal insufficiency as well as well, so it's a bit different for me, but with the mortality rate for asthmatics with COVID-19 being below what would be expected, it gives me pause about this link.

@Wolfbane I am so sorry to hear you have COVID-19, but thank goodness you are not as ill as you could be. How are you feeling after 2 weeks, do you think you've turned the corner? Sending healing vibes your way! Lorene

Thank you. Still a bit of a struggle, but I am able to rest because my wife is taking up my slack, bless her heart. I do not think I've turned the corner because, after improving earlier in the week, I began to get more ill again as the week has evolved. I understand that this happens with his virus, so I'm just going to take as long as I need to recover.