Coronavirus and asthma

As coronavirus attacks the respiratory system, people with asthma are considered more at risk. The severity of this risk and the precautions you need to take depend on the severity of your asthma.

People with mild asthma are not more likely to get coronavirus, but if they do, it may make their asthma worse.

People with moderate-severe asthma do not have an increased risk of catching coronavirus but are at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill if they do. They have been advised to follow social distancing rules strictly.

Learn how to protect yourself from coronavirus

Learn more about risk groups

Learn about coronavirus testing and how to get tested

If you feel your asthma is getting worse or you suspect you have coronavirus, use the online NHS 111 service or call NHS111:

• Tell them you have asthma, and you’re experiencing asthma symptoms
• Explain how often you have to use your reliever inhaler and if it’s not working as it should, or the effect is not lasting for 4 hours
• Follow the guidance they give you
• If the symptoms persist or get worse or you’re worried you’re having an asthma attack, call 999. Tell them you may have COVID-19 infection and are having an asthma attack

Treating coronavirus at home

If you live with someone who starts to show symptoms of coronavirus:

• Everyone in your household should self isolate for 14 days from the day the first person shows symptoms.
• If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, you will need to stay home for at least 10 days, even if that goes beyond the 14 days you have already been at home

If you are shielding and anyone in your household develops coronavirus symptoms, you should:

• Minimise the length of time you each spend in shared spaces in the house, like the kitchen and bathroom, and make sure they are well ventilated
• Keep 2 metres apart from people you live with and sleep in separate beds where possible
• use a separate bathroom from everyone else. If this isn’t possible, it should be cleaned after every use
• not share towels
• avoid sharing the kitchen. Try not to use it when someone else is there. You should take your meals back to your room to eat and if you can, use a dishwasher to clean crockery and cutlery. If you can’t, wash and dry them thoroughly after every use. Avoid sharing cutlery and use your tea towels to dry up
• Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds and avoid touching your face
• Clean frequently touched surfaces like tables, door handles and taps