COVID-19 Information Center FAQ

Question 1

Are people with asthma at greater risk for catching COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

People with asthma are not believed to be at higher risk of getting infected with COVID-19 — but if you do get infected you may be at higher risk of getting very sick. COVID-19 can: affect your respiratory tract (nose, throat, lungs), cause an asthma attack and possibly lead to pneumonia and acute respiratory disease.

Question 2

Are people with asthma at high risk of severe illness if they get COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

CDC says adults of any age with moderate to severe asthma may be at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. However, many studies examining the relationship between asthma and COVID-19 have found no increased risk of severe illness or complications, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).

Question 3

How do I find out when I can get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Accepted Answer

Vaccines are now widely available in all U.S. states. They are available for all adults and children ages 12-18. Here is how find a vaccination site near you: Visit Vaccine.gov to find a location near you. Check your local pharmacy’s website to see if vaccination appointments are available. Call your state or county health department to find vaccination sites in your area.

Question 4

What are recommendations for people with asthma?

Accepted Answer

If you have asthma, be sure to continue to follow your Asthma Action Plan or treatment plan. Additional things you can do: Get the COVID-19 vaccine to protect yourself and others. Visit Vaccine.gov to find a location near you. Know how to use your inhaler correctly. Avoid your asthma triggers. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces like tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks daily to protect yourself against COVID-19. Avoid disinfectants and scented hand sanitizers that may cause an asthma attack. Take your asthma medication exactly as prescribed. Talk to your healthcare provider, insurer and/or pharmacist about creating an emergency supply of prescription medications such as asthma inhalers. There is no need to hoard medications. Make sure that you have 30 days of nonprescription medications and supplies on hand in case you need to stay home for a long time.

Question 5

Who is at the greatest risk for severe COVID-19 complications?

Accepted Answer

People with the following conditions might be at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19: Asthma (moderate to severe), Pulmonary fibrosis (damaged or scarred lung tissue), Weakened immune system from immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids or other immune weakening medications and blood or bone marrow transplant, Smoking, Cystic fibrosis, Hypertension or high blood pressure, Cerebrovascular disease (affects blood vessels and blood supply to brain), Neurologic conditions such as dementia, Liver disease, Thalassemia (a type of blood disorder) and Type 1 diabetes.

Question 6

Should I wear a face mask?

Accepted Answer

CDC lists three levels to determine whether face masks are appropriate in a community. This applies to adults and children ages 2 and older. It also applies regardless of vaccination status. There is no evidence that wearing a face mask can worsen your asthma, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. However, some people with moderate to severe asthma may feel it is more difficult to breathe while wearing a face mask. If you don’t feel you can wear a mask due to your asthma, it may be best for you to stay home or avoid public places as much as possible.

Question 7

How is COVID-19 transmitted?

Accepted Answer

COVID-19 can be spread from person to person. Similar to other colds and viruses, it spreads primarily by close contact with someone who is infected. Research reveals that COVID-19 can be spread by people who are not showing symptoms. Transmission can happen when respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks and the virus is released into the air. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Droplets generally don’t travel more than a few feet before they fall to the ground, but there are cases – especially indoors and in places with poor ventilation – where they may travel further or linger in the air.

Question 8

Is COVID-19 airborne?

Accepted Answer

COVID-19 most commonly spreads through close contact with an infected person, however according to CDC there is evidence that in certain conditions, it may spread via respiratory droplets to people further than 6 feet away from the person who is infected. The virus may also linger in the air after the infected person has left, potentially infecting those still in the space.

Question 9

Why is there so much concern about COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

Cases of COVID-19 and instances of community spread are reported in all states. Community spread means some people have been infected and it is not known how or where they became exposed to the virus. People in places where there is ongoing community spread of COVID-19 are at higher risk of exposure, with the risk level dependent on your location, according to CDC.

Question 10

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms vary in severity. Many cases are mild, but some are severe and life-threatening – usually in people who have some type of compromised immunity. Primary symptoms: Fever, Cough, Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, Chills (sometimes with shaking), Sore throat, Fatigue, Congestion or runny nose, Muscle or body aches, Headache, Nausea or vomiting, Diarrhea and A loss of taste or smell.

Question 11

What do I do if I’m feeling sick with COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

If you suspect you may have COVID-19, please stay home and minimize contact with other people. You should call your doctor and discuss your symptoms and potential exposure. Your doctor will decide whether you need to be tested. You may also ask to be tested for COVID-19 by contacting a local health department.

Question 12

When should I seek immediate medical attention?

Accepted Answer

If you have nay of these emergency warning signs for COVID-19, get medical attention immediately. Trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, feeling confused or not able to arouse, bluish lips or face and inability to wake or stay awake.

Question 13

What is the coronavirus or COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

Coronaviruses are a group of respiratory viruses. There are many different kinds of this virus and many cause only minor cold-like symptoms while some cause more severe disease. COVID-19 is a specific coronavirus that emerged in late 2019. It can cause severe symptoms in some people. The COVID-19 virus has spread globally and is now a pandemic.

Question 14

What COVID-19 prevention strategies are recommended by CDC?

Accepted Answer

Preventive measures are the same as what’s recommended to avoid the flu or the common cold: Get the COVID-19 vaccine to protect yourself and others. Visit Vaccine.gov to find a location near you. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Put distance between yourself and other people (at least 6 feet) if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not immediately available. Avoid touching your mouth, eyes or nose. Avoid sharing anything – including cups, water bottles and eating utensils. Disinfect all frequently touched surfaces. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Question 15

How long does it take for symptoms to appear once infected with COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms tend to show in an infected person within 14 days following exposure to the virus. Most commonly, symptoms show within 5 days.

Question 16

Why is COVID-19 considered a pandemic?

Accepted Answer

COVID-19 has spread worldwide and the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it a pandemic. Pandemics occur when a new virus emerges to infect people and spread because there is little to no pre-existing immunity to it.

Question 17

How do I manage stress due to COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

As more cases of COVID-19 are discovered and our communities take action to combat the spread of disease, it is natural for some people to feel concerned or stressed. Strong emotions can trigger an asthma attack. Take steps to help yourself cope with stress and anxiety.

Question 18

What do I do if I am unable to obtain an albuterol inhaler?

Accepted Answer

If you are unable to fill your asthma inhaler prescription for any reason, there are options available. These include: Contact your allergist or primary care doctor – other inhaler options are available. Visit GoodRx.com to search for other pharmacies in your area that may be able to fill your prescription. If you can’t afford your asthma medication, refer to this list of patient assistance programs and discount cards to help with the cost. Follow your Asthma Action Plan and avoid your asthma triggers to prevent flare-ups that require quick-relief medication. Remember to not overuse your albuterol inhaler. One canister should last for months. If you’re using your albuterol inhaler more than twice a week to relieve symptoms, that’s a sign your asthma may not be well controlled, and you should schedule an appointment to see an allergist.

Question 19

Is there a COVID-19 treatment available?

Accepted Answer

There are promising treatments for those who get sick with COVID-19. One is monoclonal antibody infusion therapy. Monoclonal antibodies are given intravenously as infusion therapy before patients need hospitalization. This therapy uses COVID-19 antibodies to help a person’s body fight off the infection. Research suggests these antibodies lower the amount of virus — the “viral load” — in a person’s body. This can help prevent hospitalization and death. FDA has granted emergency use authorization to sotrovimab, a monoclonal antibody treatment that prevents the COVID-19 virus from entering the body’s cells. Sotrovimab is proving effective against many of the COVID-19 variants. Treatments are also available for people hospitalized with COVID-19.

Question 20

What is the impact of COVID-19 on people of color?

Accepted Answer

Racial inequities are central to the national conversation about COVID-19. CDC data reveals the rate of Black Americans, Native Americans and Hispanic/Latino communities who are hospitalized or die from COVID-19 is significantly higher than other races. Inequalities in healthcare that existed before the pandemic have worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Communities with majority Black and Hispanic populations face limited access to medical care and treatment. There are often fewer COVID-19 testing sites in these communities as well. Some live in substandard or overcrowded housing and are employed in front-line occupations, putting them at higher risk of COVID-19 exposure.

Question 21

What are COVID Long Haulers?

Accepted Answer

Some people continue to experience COVID-19 symptoms after the infection has passed and testing is negative. Sometimes these long-haul symptoms last for months. They often affect daily lives and the ability to work. The National Institutes of Health reports between 10-30% of people infected with COVID-19 experience long-term symptoms.

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