COVID-19 Update

As allergists, we are advising all of our patients, especially those with asthma, to remain on their medications. Specifically, asthma patients taking inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) should be advised to continue these medications as they have been shown to prevent or reduce asthma exacerbations. To date 80% of cases are mild and self-limited, manifesting as fever, cough and shortness of breath. 

For now, we remain calm and prudent on how we advise our patients. For patients with severe asthma currently on a biologic therapy, there is no information at this time that these treatments should be stopped. Optimal control of this chronic condition is of the utmost importance.

We are implementing intensive phone prescreening of acute visits to determine if patients have had fever for the past several weeks, potential exposure to COVID-19, or new onset cough. This way, patients can be effectively triaged before arriving at our office or even referred to an acute care clinic, emergency room or your local facility set up to handle potential COVID-19 exposed patients as we feel that our office is not prepared to safely treat COVID patients; while protecting other patients and staff in the office from the virus.

Reasonable health care recommendations for our asthma patients are:

1. Avoid close contact (6 feet) with people who are sick.
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
3. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
4. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
5. Use tissues to cover coughs and sneezes, then discard tissue in the trash.
6. Clean/disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
7. Continue your regular controller/maintenance therapies
8. IF YOU ARE SICK, STAY AT HOME! 

This is an excerpt from https://acaai.org/news/important-information-about-covid-19-those-asthma