Double Danger: Will COVID-19 and Asthma Make Your Health Situation Worse?

By | March 11, 2020

We all live in a scary time due to the rapid spread of the dreaded COVID-19 virus. As of date, about 114 countries already have cases of this disease. As of March 10, the WHO reported more than 110,000 infected individuals and more than 4,000 deaths. Unfortunately, the figures might continue to rise in the days to come.

What is the COVID-19 virus?

For starters, a coronavirus is a group of viruses that affect a person’s respiratory system. This includes SARS, MERS-CoV, and COVID-19 viruses. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), common symptoms of coronavirus, including the COVID-19, include dry cough, fever, and difficulty in breathing.

It can also take a toll on those with asthma since the virus affects the respiratory system. You need to visit an asthma doctor to help you manage the symptoms. Allergy testing might also be necessary to help rule out allergic triggers. In times like these, everyone should observe proper hygiene and be proactive if you experience the abovementioned symptoms.

Can asthmatics be more high risk due to COVID-19?

The CDC advised those who suffer from asthma to be vigilant with their surroundings. Those with asthma should also avoid large crowds, observe proper hygiene, and take vitamins to boost the immune system.

When necessary, stock up on basic goods that will be good for two weeks. Take asthma treatments as per doctor’s orders, or visit an allergy clinic if not feeling well due to your condition. Since the virus affects the respiratory system, it’s a good thing especially for asthmatics to double up their defenses.

The (somewhat) good news is that there is little to no link of the virus to asthma – at least in the confirmed cases in the US. However, the CDC and WHO report that those with asthma are still those who are at high risk of contracting the virus. Others who are at high risk include those who:

  • Came into direct contact with a COVID-19 patient
  • Are aged 60 and above
  • Have existing medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease

Those with asthma should be twice as careful when going outside or touching objects. However, this should not be applicable to the abovementioned people. Everyone, healthy or with medical conditions, should do their part on keeping themselves and others COVID-19-free.

Myths surrounding COVID-19 virus

Much has been said about this virus. While there are far worse pandemics in the past, this does not mean we should already downplay COVID-19. Everyone is at risk of contracting this disease. We can only so much to protect ourselves by following the authorities’ reminders in terms of cleanliness and proper hygiene.

Sometimes though, we cannot tell what legit news from fake ones is especially on social media. Here are some myths about the COVID-19 virus and the truths behind it.

The virus cannot thrive in hot and humid weather.

So far, there is no proven fact about this. In fact, the virus has already spread globally regardless of the climate. A lot of Asian countries, where weather is mostly warm and humid, have already reported thousands of COVID-19 cases in total. The same also goes with countries located in higher altitudes (many European and North America).

You can eliminate the disease by having a hot bath.

Regardless of whether you took a hot or cold bath, you cannot eliminate the virus that way. Unless you want to burn yourself with a hot bath, then go ahead and do it. This is the same as using a hand or blow dryers.

UV lamps and thermal scanners can detect COVID-19.

One should not use UV lamps to sterilize hands or other parts of the body. This is because UV radiation can lead to skin irritation. Meanwhile, thermal scanners common in airports and other public events. It can only detect fever, but not the COVID-19 virus itself.

Pets can spread or get infected with the coronavirus.

As of now, there is no proof that house pets can get affected by the virus. Still, it is best to wash your hands after touching your pets.

Be proactive at this trying time

If you have asthma and experiencing respiratory issues, make sure to visit an asthma doctor immediately. An allergy specialist can help you manage your asthma symptoms. If worse comes to worst, you should have yourself checked to confirm whether you have the dreaded disease or not.

Observing proper hygiene is still the best action to take to avoid the spread of the virus. Wash hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, stay away from large crowds and disinfect your home with alcohol or bleach from time to time. Allergists in Germantown MD also recommend taking medications to avoid allergic reactions and asthma from getting worst.