Hi all!
I know that everyone’s going to be worried given current news, however I thought this would help as things are constantly changing at can be confusing. Back in March everything was unclear so the world was working on assumptions. Covid affects lungs, asthma affects lungs, therefore COVID will affect asthma. However, the majority or research since then has suggested that a controlled asthmatic (regardless of severity) has the same level of risk as a non-asthmatics with the same characteristics. So a 55yo, white man, who is overweight and has controlled asthma has the same risk as another 55yo, overweight white man who doesn’t have asthma. In fact like for like, there is a small study that suggests that controlled asthma may be a protective characteristic (ie decreases risk of severe complications/death). I’m assuming it’s the ICS we take which helps with this but 🤷♀️😅
This being said, there is not a lot of research on uncontrolled asthma and covid risk. There has been some suggestion that maybe those with non-eosinophilic/non-allergic asthma may be at increased risk, however they tend to be the ones more likely to be uncontrolled at the severe end so 🤷♀️ (please read lysistratas reply for more info on this!). The only age group where asthma may have been a factor was the 18-49 group I think. And I don’t think there has been much research into asthma and covid in children, but I can imagine that if they are controlled it’s the same as in adults (hopefully).
Hopefully this post explains the evolving thinking of who is at risk. Keep taking your meds, keep fighting to get controlled if you currently aren’t (ie are using salb more than 3 times a week)
If you have other characteristics that concern you (diabetes, weight issues, ethnicity etc) it’s worth discussing it with your health team (GP/consultant etc), but for the majority of asthmatics evidence seems to suggest that covid is not the risk we once thought it would be. Be sensible, stay safe, take your meds, and talk to someone if you have concerns! And of course if you’ve been told to stay in, stay in!
Here’s one of the articles I’ve read, that links to others; aaaai.org/conditions-and-tr...
If you want to find out your COVID risk age here’s the one I’ve used in the past; alama.org.uk/covid-19-medic...
If you’re concerned or need advice about your asthma the AUK helpline nurses are great and can be reached on 0300 2225800 M-F 9-5. Alternatively their WhatsApp service is 07378 606728. Their post covid helpline is 0300 2225942.