There are simple precautions Dr. Wechsler strongly suggests taking to avoid contracting coronavirus. “I’m telling my patients to avoid crowds and people who are sick and to eliminate all nonessential contact with people. They should also wash their hands frequently.” Data also suggest that COVID-19 can survive on surfaces, such as plastic and metal for up to 72 hours. Clean surfaces frequently and use caution before and after contact.
“Now is the time for maximum hygiene and minimal personal interaction,” said Dr. Wechsler. “Continue asthma medications, maintain social distancing or stay home, and follow an asthma action plan.”
Should people with asthma wear a disposable mask when in public areas?
The CDC recommends that you only need to wear a mask in public if you have symptoms of COVID-19 (especially coughing) or you are looking after someone who has or could have COVID-19.
There is a worldwide shortage of masks, so please use them sparingly. These masks should be prioritized for healthcare professionals on the front lines and those caring for sick patients.
The CDC is considering recommending that everyone should wear a cloth mask in public but that hasn’t happened yet. Using a cloth mask is an alternative to an N95 mask if you need face protection but you aren’t a healthcare provider. A cloth mask isn’t 100% effective, and it doesn’t mean you can freely roam in public places. It can, however, limit the amount of community spread from you (if you are sick) or from someone else who is sick.
Generally, it would appear from the scholarly data you should not invest significant money into a mask for air pollution. Consumer reports offer the same suggestions, turning the research into actionable and understandable recommendations. From mainstream media, The Guardian notes “face masks may not be the answer to our problems,” affirming “If [a mask] fits well, then breathing through a mask is not easy,” and “Wearing a mask could, therefore, pose a problem for those who already have breathing or heart difficulties.” 5
CTV News Health states the lack of effectiveness but notes if you feel more comfortable wearing a mask, don’t go for the cheapest option and “choose the best one you can and look for one marketed to workplaces”. 6 The Conversation also considers the role of the placebo effect: “The main reason that these findings should be interpreted cautiously is that participants were aware that they were breathing filtered air. 7 You simply can’t study a mask that is to go on a person’s face without them knowing, which of itself can skew the results! Finally, individual masks will offer differing results dependent on fit, filter efficacy 8, and even facial hair. 5
The best choice is to talk to your doctor before making any changes—as always—including wearing a mask. They may recommend you wear a mask in certain situations (such as when dusting if you have dust mite allergy), or at times you are exposed to smoke or other specific air quality problems.
Precautions for people with Ashmatic condition
- Stock up on supplies in case you need to self-isolate (a 14- to 30-day supply).
- Stay at home and practice social distancing from those you do not live with (about 6 feet).
- Avoid people who are sick, and wash your hands often.
- Avoid crowds.
- Avoid non-essential travel.
- Clean and disinfect your home and car regularly, especially items you touch often like doorknobs, light switches, cell phones, keyboards, faucets, car door handles and steering wheels.
- If someone in your home is sick, stay away from them.
- Avoid sharing personal household items such as cups and towels.
The best way to protect yourself is to keep on top of your asthma and asthma symptoms. Follow these simple asthma management steps:
- Keep taking your inhalers exactly as prescribed to prevent an asthma attack if you do get infected by the coronavirus.
- Keep your fast-acting bronchodilator (such as albuterol) with you every day, in case your asthma symptoms get worse.
- Plan for an emergency supply of medications with your provider.
- Make sure you have an asthma action plan to help you recognize and manage asthma symptoms if and when they come on.
- Get a peak flow meter (from a pharmacy) and keep a diary of your peak flows and your symptoms. This can help track your symptoms and tell the difference between your asthma symptoms and new COVID-19 symptoms. It can also help your medical team to assess you over the phone or video.
- Anxiety and stress can make asthma symptoms worse. This is a time of high anxiety and concern for us all.
General precautions for people with respiratory conditions
General tips for those with chronic respiratory illnesses such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and cystic fibrosis include the following:
- Take your medication as prescribed and manage your symptoms as well as you can.
- Get the flu shot. If you have flu symptoms (cough, fever, muscle aches, congestion) call your doctor. There are treatments for the flu. However, a flu shot will not protect you against COVID-19.
- Get the pneumococcal vaccine (for bacterial pneumonia) if recommended by your provider. This will also not protect you against COVID-19, though.
- If you smoke, there’s never been a better time to stop. Smoking will increase your risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19.
Do you ever wear a mask to prevent asthma symptoms, and why or why not? Did your doctor recommend one? Let us know in the comments.
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