Coronavirus and Asthma: What You Need to Know

COVID-19, a respiratory disease caused by a coronavirus, can affect your lungs, throat, and nose. For people with asthma, infection with the virus could lead to an asthma attack, pneumonia, or other serious lung diseases. While having asthma doesn't increase your chances of getting infected with the coronavirus, your symptoms could be worse if you do get sick.

Symptoms of Coronavirus and Asthma

Common COVID-19 symptoms include fever, fatigue, dry cough, loss of appetite, body aches, shortness of breath, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. Asthma symptoms include chest tightness, coughing, shortness of breath, and a whistling or wheezing sound when you breathe out.

If you experience shortness of breath, pay attention to your other symptoms to determine the cause. Early studies have found that 83% to 99% of people with COVID-19 have a fever, although it might be mild.

What to Do If You Have Coronavirus and Asthma Symptoms

If you have asthma and experience signs of a cold, allergies, or other respiratory problems, talk to your doctor. Call your doctor or 911 right away if your asthma medicine doesn't help, you have chest pain or pressure, you have a hard time breathing, you can't talk because it's tough to breathe, you feel suddenly confused, or your lips or face are blue.

How to Prepare and Prevent Complications

To prepare for and prevent complications of coronavirus and asthma:

• Get vaccinated to help prevent infection

• Keep taking your asthma medicine

• Stay home as much as possible to lower your chance of coming into contact with the virus

• Have a 30-day supply of food, nonprescription drugs, and other household goods on hand

• Know how to use your inhaler and clean your nebulizer well

• Stay away from asthma triggers such as smoke, allergens, and air pollution

• Avoid close contact with people, crowds, and those who are sick

• Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds, including your knuckles, thumbs, fingernails, and wrists

• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces like tables, countertops, doorknobs, light switches, phones, desks, keyboards, and bathroom fixtures

• Consider wearing a mask when you are out in public

Treating Asthma During Coronavirus

Keep taking your asthma medicine, including corticosteroid drugs, as the benefits outweigh any risks for people with asthma. Never stop or change medications without talking to your doctor first. If you have an asthma flare and need to use medicine, an inhaler is best. A nebulizer might spread the virus through the air if you use it while you're sick, so use it in a room by yourself if necessary.

Coronavirus and Kids With Asthma

Children who have asthma may be more likely to have more severe symptoms of any respiratory infection, including COVID-19. Keep your child at home, have them wear masks (if they are over the age of 2) in public, and limit their contact with other people. Remind them to wash their hands often and help them keep toys and electronics clean. Monitor your child's symptoms and call their doctor if you have concerns.

For more information on coronavirus and asthma, visit the CDC website, World Health Organization, or consult with your healthcare provider.