Asthma sufferers are being urged to take preventer inhalers regularly and follow an asthma plan amid the coronavirus outbreak.
According to Asthma UK, 81% of people with asthma say their asthma symptoms get worse when they have a cold or flu, putting them at risk of a potentially life-threatening asthma attack.
Local MSP, Maree Todd, SNP who is also the Minister for Children and Young People, said:
“This is an anxious time for everyone, especially for those at higher risk due to underlying health conditions. As an asthma sufferer, I know the risks of becoming unwell and how this can trigger an asthma flare up.
“It’s now more important than ever to take preventer inhalers regularly and follow an asthma plan.”
Asthma UK has issued the following advice to reduce the risk of asthma symptoms:
- Keep taking your preventer inhaler daily as prescribed. This will help cut your risk of an asthma attack being triggered by any respiratory virus, including coronavirus.
- Carry your blue reliever inhaler with you every day, in case you feel your asthma symptoms flaring up.
- Download and use an asthma action plan to help you recognise and manage asthma symptoms when they come on.
- If you come down with flu, a cold, or any other respiratory infection, follow our tips for looking after your asthma when you’re not well.
Maree Todd added:
“We are now in the midst of a pandemic, it’s crucial that everyone takes preventative measures to minimise the risk of infection.
“To reinforce the latest advice from the NHS and the Scottish Government – if you’ve developed a cough or fever in the last 7 days, stay at home for 7 days from the day your symptoms started. If you are suffering from severe symptoms, or your symptoms haven’t improved in 7 days – phone your GP or NHS 24 on 111.”
Advice for asthmatics surrounding Covid-19 asthma action plans can be found on Asthma UK’s website: https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/coronavirus-covid-19
The coronavirus outbreak is a rapidly developing situation, the latest updates can be found on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Link to advice for non-healthcare settings: COVID-19 Guidance for non healthcare settings
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I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again…….
Can I take this opportunity to ask folk not to freak out if someone is coughing. I have asthma, and have coughed for as long as I can remember – it causes no harm to anyone, as it is not infectious.
There are a number of reasons why a person might be coughing – asthma, they have been a smoker, are a smoker, emphysema – nothing to do with an infectious virus – no harm to anyone.
So, please, don’t turn us into social pariahs and … glare furiously at us when we’re out and about!
Thank you.
As long as we cover our mouths when we cough there is no need to panic. Whether the cough is caused by asthma, a chest infection or Covid-19, NO ONE wants to be near anyone not taking proper elementary & socially responsible precautions!
I always put my hand to my mouth, and turn away when I cough. Though I’m not infectious – no one wants to be coughed at!
Me my 3 kids have got asthma one is really bad she has a care plan in place so l am going to phone my gp tomorrow morning and make sure l got everything in place incase it end up in orkney
I have severe asthma and so does my daughter my son hS CHD heart disease I really need advice on if I should pull my kids from school we are very high risk especially my son
Hello Maria
As you have asthma yourself, you’ll know how important it is, not to get worked up about things, as that can trigger an attack.
My main ‘triggers’, are smoke, dust, and….getting worked up about things.
Stay calm, and breath steady. Breathing steady, matters a lot.
I know, it can be easier said than done, but – you’ll know how much it matters.
Re. the decision about your children going to school – can I suggest that you weigh up the situation, and do what you believe to be best. That’s all anyone can do in any situation. Weigh it up and do what you believe to be best – then try not to fret about whether you were right or not! Seriously.
Mainly though, please try not to get stressed about it – take it from one who know – I’m 64 years old, had severe asthma when I was young, have grown out of it to some extent – but the main thing which helped, for me, was learning how to deal with it – recognizing the ‘triggers’ and avoiding them as much as is possible.
I hope this is helpful for you, Maria – I read your comment, and felt for you. A very difficult time and a difficult decision to make – please approach it as steady as you can.
Wishing you well
B