Hello @I Am Curious , I am happy to hear you weathered two different flu virus strains this year without complications! Most healthy people recover from flu without complications (and is what is being seen in coronavirus COVID-19 as well). But when you have asthma, it can put you at higher risk because asthmatic lungs already have swelling. When you have a respiratory infection, your immune system responds by creating more mucus and releasing substances from your cells to fight the virus or...

I just think that N95 masks can be helpful. They found the size of the corona virus and those masks block that size particle and yes it needs a tight seal but that is perfectly possible to teach people what that is. It can help. And high-risk population should know this and have time to irder and waut fir one before it gets widespread. And its possible to make enough for everyone including healthcare workers. And it doesnt need to be mandated fir everyobe, it usnt 100 percent, but it can...

Hi @Shea N95 masks may provide a layer of protection, but they may be hard to breathe through when you have asthma or an infection. They can also be hot, and often masks lead to people touching their face more in an effort to make the mask most comfortable. Wearing a mask can't hurt, but hand washing and sanitizing are going to be our best bet for protection. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Lorene

Shea - I agree with you. I live in NYC and travel to work on the subway and wearing a n95 mask would greatly decrease my chances of contracting the virus where I am in close proximity to strangers. I do understand that the CDC and WHO are trying to quell the general population from buying/wearing masks when basic hygiene would be more helpful in the long term but they are not protecting those the with the 'underlying health conditions' that they continually mention. This is a situation where...

Hi Ellie and welcome! The situation is continuously evolving and not all areas are impacted the same right now. Social distancing, including working from home, are coming from local health departments. There are several topics on the forum discussing how to prepare - https://community.aafa.org/topic/566946312539943977

I am new to this so I am not sure how to go about this. I am a worried mama right now. My son who is asthmatic just had to go to the ER due to breathing problems. The said it was just his asthma due to no fever. But with it coming to close to comfort near me I am worried and want to know the true symptoms. I hear so many different things that it has me so worried. My daughter is asthmatic too but so far no breathing problems right now. Please can someone give me some possible reassurance...

Hi @Karleeta we completely understand your concern and fear. Fever and a dry cough are symptoms of a virus. If your son is not running a fever it very well could just be an asthma flare. I hope he is feeling better? The best thing you can do is to make sure both your children take their asthma medications as directed. Do they have asthma action plans? Keep them at home as much as possible, wipe down surfaces with disinfectant wipes, wash hands often and keep them from touching their faces.

Lorene, Thank you for responding back to me. He is feeling a little better. Thank you for asking. They do have Asthma Action Plans. They are with grandparents for a couple days while we make sure our home is disinfectant really good. They are already on top with the washing of the hands and using hand sanitizer. We have been stressing that with them. I know their school just postponed it for another week. I know they will be staying home and not go no where. That is another reason why they...

Hi there! I am so glad he is feeling a little better. It can take such a long time to recover from an asthma flare. Sending healing mojo your way! I have been carrying disinfectant wipes with me and literally have one in my hand all the time to open doors and hit elevator buttons. I'm also using my elbows and hips instead of my hands as much as possible. The virus can live on some surfaces for up to 3 days, so a good cleaning sounds like a good plan, and will probably give you some peace of...

Hi PJ55 and BbL, welcome to the AAFA forums! PJ55, have you spoken with your dr about your concerns? BbL, did you express your concerns when the office called today? I know locally some dr's offices are having you "check-in" from your car and you are taken right back to an exam room once you enter the office. You can always inquire about what their current procedures are.

Hi @BbL - we totally understand the concern you are feeling. Below are few things to consider that I hope will help: A recent journal article: COVID-19: Pandemic Contingency Planning for the Allergy and Immunology Clinic states that most asthma and allergy visits can be delayed or conducted by telehealth until the pandemic is over, except for patients with primary immunodeficiency, severe asthma, or are on venom immunotherapy. Feel free to share the article with your daughter's healthcare...

Hi @PJ_55 - thanks for your comment. As I shared with BbL, it is best to ask your doctor if skipping a dose is OK, or is there a chance your asthma may become uncontrolled. Right now, we all want to make sure our asthma is as well controlled as possible in case we do get sick. Asking if they have increased their protocols to protect staff and patients since your last visit may help you decide if you should go or skip this week. Please check out my response to BbL that links to a journal...

Hi @Maja - it sounds like you're doing everything right. I'm sorry you have a fever. Calling your doctor and asking what you should do is recommended. Many of us are scared as well - sending hugs! Please let us know what your doctor says and keep us posted on how you are feeling. Lorene