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Asthma and Coronavirus
The following information is based on what is currently known about asthma and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). People with moderate to severe asthma may be at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. COVID-19 can affect your respiratory tract (nose, throat, lungs), cause an asthma attack, and possibly lead to pneumonia and acute respiratory disease.
The best way to prevent this illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus: by staying home, avoiding people who are sick, washing your hands and wearing a mask when in public. Contact your doctor to learn how to get your asthma under control and for more information about how to manage your asthma and the virus.
MASKS: MDHHS Provider and Patient Infographics Promote Mask-Wearing by People with Asthma
Have Asthma? You Can Wear A Face Mask!
There has been some confusion around whether or not people with asthma can or should wear masks during the pandemic. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Asthma Program worked with Michigan experts and drew on national resources to develop two new infographics to promote mask-wearing.
The patient version explains that it is safe to wear masks, and provides information about asthma self-management, mask type, and how to get more help if needed. The provider version states that mask exemptions should be rare, and gives tips for helping asthma patients during this time.
Please use and share these infographics widely - wearing masks is one of the few things we can all do to limit the spread of COVID-19.
If you have any questions about these infographics, please contact Tisa Vorce, VorceT@michigan.gov.
Face Masks & Asthma: Tips for Providers
Wear a Mask! Masks Don't Affect Oxygen Saturation in Patients with Asthma
Adult and pediatric patients presenting to the Michigan Medicine Allergy clinic between 9/10/2020 and 10/23/2020 were surveyed on their demographics, asthma diagnosis, perceived control of asthma, and mask type worn. Pulse oximetry reading was performed while wearing the mask and respondents reported their duration of mask use prior to the measurement. Mask use did not decrease SpO2 levels in patients with or without asthma, regardless of type worn. Neither duration of mask use nor perceived asthma control correlated with a decreased SpO2 level.
Allergy & Asthma Foundation of America (AAFA): What People With Asthma Need to Know About Face Masks and Coverings
CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC)
Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) and People with Asthma
People with Certain Medical Conditions
Underlying Medical Conditions Associated with High Risk for Severe COVID-19: Information for Healthcare Providers
Michigan.gov/Coronavirus
SCHOOLS
AAFA: COVID-19 and Asthma Toolkit for Schools
Should Children with an Underlying Medical Condition Attend School In-person?
ENVIRONMENTAL
EPA's Indoor Air and COVID-19
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
COVID-19 and Asthma: What Patients Need to Know
ACAAI: Statement on Corticosteroid Use for Allergies, Asthma During COVID-19 Pandemic
ATS: COVID-19: Interim Guidance on Management Pending Empirical Evidence (pdf)
Chronic Disease and COVID-19: What You Need to Know (pdf)
RESEARCH
Asthma and risk of infection, hospitalisation, ICU admission and mortality from COVID-19
A new systematic review and meta-analysis found that the prevalence of people with asthma among COVID-19 patients is similar to the global prevalence of asthma. The overall findings suggest that people with asthma have a lower risk than those without asthma for acquiring COVID-19 and have similar clinical outcomes.