Last updated on 28/02/2020

As at 28 February 2020

Coronavirus and people with asthma

For latest Coronavirus and Asthma information please visit our COVID-19 page.
You might have heard that Coronavirus affects the respiratory system and you might have questions around what this means for you, or your child if they have asthma?

Coronavirus (CoV) outbreak is a developing situation around the world. The most up-to-date information for Australians is on the Australian Government website here. You can also view some helpful Queensland Government resources here. If you have any concerns, call the Australian Government Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.

According to the World Health Organisation, “Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.”

In Australia, the people most at risk of getting the virus are those who have:

  • recently been in mainland China
  • been in close contact with someone who is a confirmed case of coronavirus

When people with asthma get respiratory infections or viruses, it can trigger or worsen asthma symptoms. The best action you can take is to follow these simple asthma management steps:

  • ✓ You’re on a preventer, taking it as prescribed and have a written Asthma Action Plan. You can go back to your GP at any time if you think your medication needs adjusting or if you don’t have a written Asthma Action Plan.
  • ✓ You have access to a reliever puffer, always
  • ✓ You can identify asthma symptoms and can treat them properly
  • ✓ You can administer asthma first aid
  • ✓ You understand what your asthma triggers are and how to manage these (it will help having a written Asthma Action Plan).
  • ✓ If you have allergies such as hay fever, you are treating them
  • ✓ Tell your family and friends you have asthma and make sure they also know asthma first aid and your triggers

You can ask us questions by emailing us or by calling us on 1800 ASTHMA.

Australia is headed into flu season. As well as treating your asthma, there are other easy steps everyone can take to lower risk of a viral infection. You can view these steps via video from the World Health Organisation (WHO) below.

Links to helpful resources:

Visit Health Direct for further reading https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/blog/faqs-about-the-wuhan-novel-coronavirus-outbreak