What people with asthma and COPD should know about COVID-19
Health | 30/09/2020
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by novel type coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). In most cases the disease will cause mild or moderate respiratory symptoms and those infected will recover without any special treatment. However, elderly people and people with underlying health conditions, such as asthma and COPD, are considered to be at greater risk of developing severe complications.
If you are suffering from asthma or COPD, you should consider the following:
1. Take care of your disease
It is important to ensure your asthma or COPD is as well managed as possible. Follow your treatment plan and keep taking your usual medications as prescribed. The use of corticosteroids has not been shown to worsen the infection or its symptoms. In case of uncertainty, consult your doctor, nurse, pharmacist or your local health authority for more advice.
2. Protect yourself by avoiding infection
Coronavirus is spread from person to person via respiratory droplets which are released when someone with the disease coughs, sneezes or exhales. Hard and soft surfaces can also harbor these droplets which can be a source of infection. The best way to avoid infection is through social distancing, especially crowds, and staying away from crowded areas. Protect yourself by washing your hands frequently with soap for 20 seconds at a time or use alcohol-based rubs and avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
3. Stay up-to-date
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), being well informed about COVID-19 is the best way to prevent and slow the transmission of the disease. Local and global guidelines can change rapidly when new information about coronavirus and its transmission becomes available. Seek more information regularly by following the news and websites of international health agencies (e.g., WHO or ECDC) and your local health authorities such as HSE and the Department of Health.
4. If you have symptoms of COVID-19
If you have asthma or COPD and experience symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle pain and tiredness, follow guidance issued by the Department of Health.
Photo by iStock
Date of preparation: August 2020 / EASYH-950
| If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the package leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) website: www.hpra.ie or email medsafety@hpra.ie |
References:
Orion Corporation is a globally operating Finnish pharmaceutical company. We develop, manufacture and market human and veterinary pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. The dry powder inhaler developed at Orion is in the core of our respiratory therapy area.
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