COVID-19 & Asthma

People with asthma have a higher risk of severe illness and death with respiratory infections in general. Any child or adult with moderate to severe asthma should consider themselves “at risk” for severe COVID-19 disease and take extra precautions with their health.

Take  steps to protect yourself and your family

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, you can:

  • Stay home if you’re sick,
  • Avoid contact with sick people when possible,
  • Cover your cough and sneezes with the crook of your elbow or a tissue
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth and wash your hands frequently
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe

People with asthma should take the following precautionary measures:

  • Take your long term controller medication as prescribed
  • Keep your rescue inhaler on you at all times
  • Get your prescription filled to ensure you have enough medication for one month
  • Get the seasonal flu vaccine
  • Avoid gatherings and crowded places
  • If you are feeling unwell and suspect you may have contracted the Coronavirus, before attending any appointments call ahead to talk through your symptoms and find out what you need to do. Please do not expose others to your condition.
  • Follow advice from your local county health department and the  Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services

Montana COVID-19 information

COVID-19 Resources 

American Heart Association

American Lung Association

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention 

Johns Hopkins University

National Association of Chronic Disease Directors

World Health Organization

Healthcare Provider Information

There are some symptoms that are similar between Covid-19, seasonal allergies, and respiratory illnesses.  This chart from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of American can help you figure out if you may be feeling symptoms of allergies or a respiratory illness like COVID-19. If you have a fever and a cough, call your doctor. If you have  seasonal allergies, there are things you can do to prevent exposure and treat yourself at home.

COVID-19 and Allergies chart

Click to see a larger image

Resources on Allergies and COVID-19