Chronic Illness Prevention

Pulmonary

Chronic Pulmonary Illness and COVID-19

The data are changing constantly, but the most recent reports from a CDC study show that patients with asthma and COPD are at higher risk of experiencing greater complications and more severe outcomes from COVID-19 pneumonia because of pre-existing damage to their lung tissue and/or over-reactive airways, especially if their respiratory illness is not being managed. The study showed that people with chronic lung disease were six times more likely to develop severe COVID-19 than people without pre-existing pulmonary disease.

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)/Asthma

Individuals with COPD (including emphysema and chronic bronchitis) and Asthma are at increased your risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Other chronic lung diseases, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and cystic fibrosis, might be at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

Manage your condition- continue your current medicines as prescribed by your physician and avoid your triggers.

  • Have at least a 30-day supply of your medicines.
  • Call your healthcare provider if you feel ill.
“If you have asthma, you need to take steps to prevent getting the flu. Respiratory infections such as the flu can affect your lungs, causing an asthma attack. Flu vaccine is the first and most important step you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu.”

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/actionplan.html