This is good information, thank you (and to USA2 below as well!) I am all about the: "have someone else clean for you" option.... Do you think medicare will cover that? I would like a Rosie Robot. I guess I can learn to mix things and make cleaners... I have found some that bother me less than others.. Like the seventh generation brand and the mrs meyers-- I aim for the unscented. Good to know about vinegar not killing covid. Does hot steam? (Did I miss that part?) .....this is motivating me...
An issue that presents a significant challenge for my asthmatic wife is the inability to receive any kind of protection against being seated near pets on an airplane. With the growth in pet ownership during COVID and the increase in pet owners travelling with their pets, the situation is ever more concerning. The airlines have not put forward an approach to this issue that respects the interests of allergic passengers and point to the Americans with Disabilities Act as a basis for not...
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.
I can't find any information anywhere about patients with asthma (specifically) and COVID-19 mortality rates. I am a relatively healthy individual with mild but persistent allergy triggered asthma. My singulair seems to keep it under control. I've had the flu twice this season (different strains) with no complications. But, I am curious, so these are my questions: I've heard that the jury is still out on what exactly causes respiratory complications from viruses in people with asthma. Some...
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...
Distributed via the CDC Health Alert Network February 28, 2020, 1505 ET (3:05 PM ET) Update and Interim Guidance on Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Summary The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to closely monitor and respond to the COVID-19 outbreak caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. This CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) Update provides updated guidance on evaluating and testing persons under investigation (PUIs) for COVID-19. It supersedes...
Both my young adult kids have Flu- and cold-virus induced asthma. One of them is on the other side of the country at college. What do we know about the risk of Covid-19 with patients with this type of asthma? They both had their flu shots last fall. Should we be stocking up on anti-viral medication or Prednisone? The anti-viral medication really helped reduce the symptoms my son experienced in years past when he got the flu (which he got despite getting the flu vaccination).
Welcome CoachBW - we are working on getting the blog updated and have asked our medical advisors specific questions. Your plan follows many of the CDC recommendations for how to prepare your household for a possible COVID-19 outbreak . One reminder about masks is that they are most effective when worn by someone who is sick to prevent the spread of the virus through cough droplets. In general, masks don't provide much protection to someone who is not sick. You'd have to be directly...
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 @Candace - we appreciate your feedback. Have you checked out the latest update? There is a Q&A with Mitchell Grayson, M.D., FAAAAI, FACAAI, allergist/immunologist at Nationwide Children's Hospital and chair of AAFA’s Medical Scientific Council . He specifically addresses asthma and COVID-19. Lorene
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
He is 4.5. He has had bronchiolitis multiple times. He has never been hospitalized but each bout seems to get a little worse. It also seems to take him longer to recover. Often when I’ve taken him in to the doctor, although he has a lot of mucus, there’s no wheezing. I was rushed to the hospital multiple times as a child with blue lips. This is one of my biggest fears with him. Thankfully we have never experienced this. I’ve been on prednisone many times in the past with respiratory...
I wouldn’t worry too much he may be at risk but if he has not been hospitalized for it before it may not make thing much worse then if he had no history. I would invest in a pulse oximeter though, they are surprisingly inexpensive. They can make sure he is getting enough oxygen and cut down on unnecessary visits to the doctor.
So I don’t use any asthma meds day to day as i haven’t needed them for years. Should I start using a preventer due to the covid-19 virus to protect myself or just keep a reliever just in case? I had asthma as a kid and was hospitalised, it went away a few years later. I had an asthma attack 25 odd years later after a bad chest infection caused by smoking, again after a few months I didn’t need any inhalers etc. So now I’m 8-10 years on from that attack thinking if I should start taking a...
Hi! It's great that your asthma is so well controlled that you don't need to take a daily controller/preventative medication. A preventer medicine will not keep you from getting COVID-19. I recommend you talk to your health care provider about your concerns. Let them know as soon as possible if you have any asthma or flu-like symptoms. It is important to identify and treat any virus as quickly as possible. Lorene
The testing for COVID-19 is based on looking for specific gene sequences unique to that virus. Those are gene sequences that do not appear in other similar viruses. How do the new coronavirus tests work? Updated to add: you theoretically could have both viruses in which case you will test positive for flu A/B.
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...
I too am desperately looking for hints on what to do in the Covid-19 situation as someone with Asthma. From what I understand, I am not more likely to contract the virus, but it is likely that it will affect me more strongly once I do. Given the fact that at this point, we're mostly talking about "when" we will all be infected, rather than "if" - shouldn't it be the logical next step to quarantine everyone who's part of the higher risk demographic? I have a job that I could potentially do...
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...
The Q&A states that data indicates no higher mortality risk for people that have asthma and contract COVID-19. worldometers web site provides statistics that suggest asthma suffers mortality rates as follows: Condition: Chronic respiratory disease Death Rate Confirmed Cases: 8.0% Death Rate All Cases: 6.3% There are two sources they use that provide age, sex, and morbidity statistics: The Report of the WHO-China Joint Mission published on Feb. 28 by WHO, [ 2 ] which is based on 55,924...
to echo @Lara , same for sore throat and chest tightness, particularly for those with both asthma and allergies. Postnasal drip causes a sore throat for me and I always have a tight chest around dust and ragweed. Those are the literal symptoms of COVID-19... I guess you can't please everyone and nothing is ever clear, ha. We have to do our best to pay close attention to our bodies, ask ourselves if what we are experiencing is unusual and act accordingly.
Hi - you and @Lara bring up good points! Do you find that you are more in tune with your body due to allergies and asthma? I think I am, although I still often ignore signs and symptoms :-) A fever may be the 1 symptom that notifies us something else may be going on.
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.
In a couple of years, I’ll turn 60...work in retail too. Though i feel strong and somewhat healthy for a person with asthma, i have to admit that i am worried and scared coz of covid. Am not sure that if i ask my company for a leave of absence if they’d accept, what should i do?
hello , i have excerice enducted asthma and i never get asthma atacks beside when i run or do a lot of sports , did not have any atacks since like 7 months im i still going to die if contact covid 19 ? or is it only for people that have uncontrolled asthma , last time i did the flow test i scored 250
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
Jeni D - what we have heard about nebulizer use is that hospitals are switching from nebulizer to inhaler because if the risk of the virus becoming airborne when treating a patient sick with COVID-19. You can read the statement here - https://community.aafa.org/blo...t-people-with-asthma It's important to keep your child's asthma as well controlled as you can. If you have concerns, please contact their doctor. The current recommendation in general is to not stop taking any of your asthma...
Hi @SuzanneLV , It is totally understandable that you are worried about your husband. First of all, a big thank you goes out to him and all he is doing to keep the country running during the shutdowns. According to OSHA regulations, employers are required to provide personal protection equipment (PPE) to all employees who are exposed to a hazard. The question is, will his employer consider the virus a hazard (they should). You can find the requirements here:...
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...
When you block a person, they can no longer invite you to a private message or post to your profile wall. Replies and comments they make will be collapsed/hidden by default. Finally, you'll never receive email notifications about content they create or likes they designate for your content.
Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following .