Asthma Symptoms and Covid 19

Risk of covid-19 in those who develop asthma symptoms

According to Asthma Malaysia, there are about 2 million patients suffering from asthma symptoms with 90% of the cases uncontrolled in Malaysia. As COVID-19 spreads across the world, physicians are hearing from their patients who are concerned that having asthma puts them at a higher risk of acquiring COVID-19 if they are exposed. They also question if having the virus will make their symptoms more dangerous. More than 1,500 people with COVID-19 were discovered after an examination of records from ten North-western Medicine institutions. Asthma affected 14% of those surveyed. The researchers observed no significant difference in the likelihood of hospitalization between those with and without asthma using models that accounted for age, sex, and ethnicity while adjusting for asthma risk factors such as smoking and obesity. Asthma drugs, such as inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-agonists, did not enhance the risk of hospitalization. Finally, the researchers discovered that asthma did not increase COVID-19-related mortality.

How can I tell the difference between asthma symptoms, Covid-19 infection, and allergies?

Some of the symptoms of certain respiratory disorders and asthma are similar. This chart can help you determine whether you are suffering from asthma, allergies, or a respiratory ailment such as COVID-19, the flu, or a cold. Call your doctor straight away if you have a fever and a cough.

If you or a family member suffers from asthma symptoms, here’s what you should know:

• Exacerbations of asthma are most commonly caused by respiratory infections
• Asthma patients are not affected by all viruses similarly. Asthma flare-ups are more likely to be triggered by certain viruses, such as influenza and rhinovirus.
• We don’t know if COVID-19 is one of the viruses that cause asthma flare-ups, but research so far suggests it isn’t. There is no evidence that people who have asthma are more likely to get infected.
• No evidence treating symptoms with asthma drugs (inhaled steroids, oral steroids.) increases your risk of getting COVID-19.
• If you become infected, proceed with caution, and avoid experimental therapies unless your doctor specifically advises you to do so.

1. Get Vaccinated especially when you are free from asthma symptoms

Before getting your COVID-19 vaccine, check with your doctor first if you have:

• Acute illness
• COVID-19 infected.
• Severe adverse reactions (anaphylaxis) to a vaccine or injectable drug in the past (except mRNA COVID-19 immunizations).
• History of an allergic reaction to PEG or polysorbate

Everyone, especially those who are at high risk for both the flu and COVID-19 problems, should get a flu shot every year. When any form of respiratory ailment is spreading in their community, people with asthma should take measures. COVID-19 and the flu can both be contracted at the same time. It takes around two weeks for your body to develop flu immunity after receiving a flu vaccination. You will not be protected from COVID-19 by getting a flu shot. If you have certain medical conditions, are 65 or older, or are under the age of 6, you should get the pneumococcal vaccine if you haven’t already. If you have asthma, consult your doctor to see if the vaccine is right for you. The pneumococcal vaccine protects against bacterial pneumonia (from Streptococcus pneumonia), but not from pneumonia caused by COVID-19. It is not necessary to get it every year, as is the case with the flu shot.

2. Wear your mask

A face mask should be fitted on your face and cover your nose, mouth, and beard. If you are caring for someone at home who is sick or has been exposed to someone with COVID-19, use a mask when you leave the house. Asthmatics should be able to use face masks. If you have to adjust your mask frequently, likely, it does not fit well. You may have to try a few different types before finding one that fits and feels right.

3. Keep a safe physical distance

Even though vaccines have reduced the spread of COVID-19, the outbreak is far from over. In general, the closer you engage with other people and the longer you connect with them, the greater your chance of spreading coronavirus or flu. When at all possible, try to stay at home. Avoid large crowds, especially if you’re going somewhere indoors. When you’re out in public, keep a distance of at least 6 feet between you and the next person. Stay away from sick people or persons who have been in contact with sick people. Don’t share makeup, food, plates, or dining utensils with your family, even if you’re at home with them.

4. Disinfect surfaces

Using a soap-based household cleaner reduces the number of germs on surfaces. Cleaning alone will usually eliminate most virus particles from surfaces. Clean frequently touched surfaces such as door handles/knobs, remote controls, cell phones, steering wheels, tabletops, and light switches with a disinfectant cleaner. Asthma can be triggered by cleaning, sanitizing, or disinfecting products. To protect yourself when using these goods, open windows, turn on exhaust fans, avoid spraying them into the air, and wear gloves and a mask. If possible, delegate the cleaning to someone else while you are away from the house. Look for non-scented disinfectants when purchasing a disinfectant. Look for components that are asthma-friendly, such as hydrogen peroxide, lactic acid, citric acid, and alcohol (ethyl or isopropyl alcohol).

5. Avoid unnecessary travel

Domestic and international travel should be avoided until you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to health officials. When flying, taking the bus, train, or other modes of public transportation, you must still wear a mask. If you really must go and are not completely vaccinated, travelling in your vehicle is probably the safest option because it is simpler to limit the number of people you come into contact with. Remember that the persons in the row in front and behind you, as well as those directly beside you, pose the greatest risk of contracting an illness on a plane, train, or bus. If feasible, sit at a window seat with an empty middle seat. Request to be reseated if someone in the row in front, behind, or next to you appears to be sick. Bring antiseptic wipes to clean your armrests, tray table, headrest, and any other surfaces you’ll be contacting.

6. Ventilate your house

Because there is better air circulation outside, being outside is often safer than being inside. Open windows or doors, use fans, run air cleaners, or use air filters to keep your indoor rooms well-ventilated. According to current information, the chance of the coronavirus spreading outside is substantially lower than it is indoors. The new coronavirus may be less spreadable if you have good ventilation in your home. It could also have an impact on the risk of transmission (how fast it spreads).

7. Wash/Sanitize your hands

Wash hands thoroughly for 20 to 30 seconds with soap and warm water. Hands should be washed before and after eating, as well as after coughing or sneezing. If you don’t have access to running water, use a hand sanitiser that has at least 60% ethyl alcohol (ethanol) or 70% isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol). Hands must be kept away from your eyes, nose, and mouth.

8. Take care of your health

Take your asthma medications daily to keep your asthma under control. Eat healthily, exercise regularly, and get adequate sleep. People should see their healthcare professionals again, according to the health authorities. Visiting an allergist regularly is critical to keeping your asthma under control. Many people with asthma have wondered if they should monitor the amount of oxygen in their blood during the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 has been shown to lower blood oxygen levels on occasion. However, monitoring your blood oxygen levels is not recommended as part of asthma home management. Doctors use pulse oximeters (or “pulse ox”) to determine how much oxygen is carried in your blood. Some persons with COVID-19 report a decrease in blood oxygen saturation. Even though pulse oximeters are not as accurate as medical-grade devices, many patients with COVID-19 use them at home to monitor their oxygen levels. An at-home pulse oximeter is not recommended for determining if you have COVID-19. For those with confirmed COVID-19 and high-risk factors, doctors may recommend using a pulse oximeter to monitor oxygen levels. Some persons with COVID-19 who have mild to severe symptoms may require respiratory support. Learn more about how our DNA test can help you. It’s considered the most advanced DNA test in Malaysia that we can provide, so we’d like to offer you our premium DNA test. You can take advantage of this offer and reap the benefits of getting a DNA test.