Do all asthmatics displaying covid-19 symptoms need to get tested?

[Balmowl38]

Can anyone clarify this? I was under the impression that unless under extremely high risk eg severe asthma, organ recipient, multiple health issues etc that everyone else should just self isolate and only call 111 if symptoms severe.

However, an article published online yesterday in a UK newspaper (and unfortunately I have lost the link) states that all displaying symptoms should self isolate. As we know.

However all asthmatics displaying symptoms should contact 111 and request a test? I thought people were currently only being tested in hospital?

I have what I'd call fairly mild asthma, and have had high temperature since Mon ..although prior to that had sinus headache and mild temp off and on for over a week. I currently feel quite unwell (flu like) eg feel too poorly to stand up for long, head spinning etc. I think I felt marginally worse yesterday, also yesterday felt more tight chested than today.

Still sore around top of chest between neck and lungs, and sometimes struggling to take deep breath. No cough as such. Feeling very anxious (which may be making the right chest worse) can anyone advise?

Thank you everyone, and look after yourselves x

[golden-retriever]

If you’re displaying the symptoms self-isolate immediately, whether you have asthma or not. Avoid touching anything that other people may touch.

And then call 111 for advice.

[Balmowl38 in reply to golden-retriever]

Thank you. I have been self isolating since Monday. Shortly after posting this I tried to get up out of bed and felt so ill I thought I would collapse. On phone now waiting for 111 to answer.

[golden-retriever in reply to Balmowl38]

Well done and stay safe. Hope you recover quickly.

[Hidden]

My DIL has symptoms, she rang 111 and they advised her to self isolate for 14 days. She wasn't tested, and although she doesn't have Asthma, she has Bronchiectasis. My son and their son also have to self isolate with her.

[twinkly29]

From Asthma UK:

"If you have asthma and you DO have symptoms of COVID-19 (a new continuous cough or a fever):

You need to stay in your home for 7 days if you live on your own, or 14 days if you live with others. Everyone in your household will need to stay in the house for 14 days.

You don't need to contact 111 to tell them you are staying at home.

If your COVID-19 symptoms don’t go away after 7 days, or get worse, or you are having difficulty breathing, call 111 for advice, or 999 if you need emergency care.

Tell them that you have asthma, and if your asthma symptoms are getting worse.

If you get an asthma cough and are not sure whether your cough is a symptom of COVID-19 or related to your asthma, please speak to your GP, use the online 111 service or call 111 to ensure that you get the right care.

Keep following your asthma action plan to manage your asthma and so you know what to do if your asthma symptoms get worse.

If you are having an asthma attack, call 999 for an ambulance as usual, and tell them you have COVID-19 symptoms.

Carry on taking all your usual asthma medicines as normal."

[Jennyfudge in reply to twinkly29]

This would be ok if all corona virus patients had a cough and fever. If you are taking certain medications for asthma and also paracetemol as part of your usual cocktail of daily medicines then this will cease any cough and mask a temperature. I have displayed not one symptoms until flu lime symptoms a few days ago and have been told by doctors that i almost certainly have it. There isn't enough tests and as i am only just getting bad... and fast i might add as they wouldn't check me as like they say is self isolate i think the advice given can be dangerous. Some people have this virus and until right near the end they dont have either a cough or temperature. Everyone needs to be tested who is ill..not just those who display the 2 symptoms. We are way behind other countries and i for one am disgusted by the slow response of our government as they our failing our staff, doctors, nurses, gps and most of all us, the patients. The advice from above is test tes test. Not wait then test the worst as by then it's to late

[Jolu29]

Spoke to gp today there not testing, only if you get admitted to hospital I think now so crazy, you don't know if you have it or not. Get well soon.

[Grumpy26548]

I pray you are not unwell too ling & if you are worried my friend do they have contact numbers to ring for advice there as we do here in NSW Australia take care enquire ask for help if needed Best of luck feel better soon I too am asthmatic & worry &?hubby has OPCD so we are self isolating & family doing our shopping! Good luck my friend