Patients with allergies have higher risk of COVID-19? From what is known until present, the patients that present higher risk of complications in the course of infection by the new coronavirus are elderly patients, with cardiovascular problems, obesity, cardiac disease, kidney disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory pathology and smoking. There is no evidence that a person with allergies, namely asthma, rhinitis, eczema or drug /food allergy: has a higher risk of contracting the disease; has a higher risk of complications in the course of infection by SARS-COV2. However, as it happens with other viral infections, for instance flu, asthmatics may see their asthma clinically decompensated, also in the case of infection by COVID-19 . This happens even if asthma is a disease of bronchial impairment. Thus, it is mandatory in people with asthma the regular observance of the preventive daily therapeutic. This way, asthmatic patients can ensure a lower probability of complications in the eventuality of contracting the coronavirus. What if there is also pulmonary disease? COVID-19 may compromise the pulmonary parenchyma. Therefore, patients with basic pulmonary diseases (for instance, emphysema) will necessary have a higher risk of complications in the course of infection. How to prevent infection? Besides all the measures of social isolation and hygiene etiquette of the general population, it is fundamental to maintain and observe the therapeutics and smoking abstinence. What are the consequences of infection by COVID-19 for people with asthma and other allergies (for instance, rhinitis, eczema or others)? Symptoms similar to those of the flu (fever, cough, muscle pain, fatigue, shortness of breath); Asthma decompensation (similar to what happens in cases of flu). Recommendations in the course of infection by COVID-19: Keep good hydration; Control body temperature; Follow the recommendations of the General Directorate for Health and the health team that follows you regularly; In case of worsening of asthma, start the crisis plan and contact your attending doctor, avoiding unnecessary trips to the emergency service; In case you contract the COVID-19 infection, monitor the evolution of the symptoms and contact the health teams, if there is clinical aggravation. Remember what is COVID-19 The disease named COVID-19 is caused by infection due to the SARS-COV2 virus. COVID-19 means a disease caused by the new coronavirus discovered in 2019 – CO = corona, VI = virus, D = disease, 19 = 2019. SARS 2 means severe acute respiratory syndrome. The mechanisms of development of COVID-19 are being researched in the sense of understanding the possible therapeutic weapons and vaccine. The mechanisms of transmission of the disease are aerial or by direct contact of the hands with surfaces contaminated with the virus, and then taken to the mouth, eyes or nose. Most COVID-19 patients may not present symptoms or very mild ones: loss of smell and taste; rhinorrhoea (nasal flowing); sore throat; fever. In some cases, the disease translates in severe pulmonary manifestations, requiring assisted ventilation and may lead to death. Authors Coordination Luís Miguel Borrego , With the immunoallergology team of doctors from Hospital da Luz network Ana Morais Mendes , Ana Reis Ferreira , Andreia Ferrão , Carlos Braga , Cristina Lopes , Diana Pereira da Silva , Filipa Semedo , Isabel Costa Silva , João Gaspar Marques , Pedro Carreiro Martins , Marta Salgado , Nuno Sousa , Rosa Anita Fernandes , Susana Piedade Click here for more information and advice from Hospital da Luz about the epidemics by the new coronavirus COVID-19 . The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
