If you have any questions about asthma medicines and the coronavirus, talk with your doctor. If you need to take quick-relief medicine (such as albuterol) for an asthma episode, use an inhaler (with a spacer) if possible. Using a nebulizer can increase the risk of sending virus particles in the air if you are sick.

Can people with asthma wear face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

Yes, people with asthma can wear face masks.

The CDC recommends that you wear a mask in public indoor spaces even if you are fully vaccinated.

How common are breakthrough cases?

Breakthrough cases are still considered to be very rare. They appear to be most common among new variant strains. It’s hard to get an exact count since many vaccinated people don’t show symptoms, and therefore, don’t get tested.

How long could breakthrough COVID-19 symptoms last?

It’s not unusual for a person with a breakthrough infection to feel lingering symptoms for several weeks, but physicians say the worst ailments, such as a hacking cough or searing headaches, usually let up in two weeks or less.

Can breakthrough infections cause long Covid?

A small Israeli study recently provided the first evidence that breakthrough infections could lead to long COVID symptoms, although the numbers are small. Out of about 1,500 vaccinated health care workers, 39 got infected, and seven reported symptoms that lasted more than six weeks.

What is the threat of COVID-19 to people with asthma?

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by a coronavirus. That means it can affect your lungs, throat, and nose. For people who have asthma, infection with the virus could lead to an asthma attack, pneumonia, or other serious lung disease.

Who should not wear masks during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Cloth face coverings should not be worn by:

• Children younger than 2 years old.

• Anyone who has trouble breathing, including those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

• Anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the cloth face-covering without assistance.

Under which circumstances are people not required to wear a face mask during the COVID-19 pandemic?

• while eating, drinking, or taking medication for brief periods of time;

• while communicating, for brief periods of time, with a person who is hearing impaired when the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication;

• if, on an aircraft, wearing of oxygen masks is needed because of loss of cabin pressure or other event affecting aircraft ventilation;

• if unconscious (for reasons other than sleeping), incapacitated, unable to be awakened, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance; or

• when necessary to temporarily remove the mask to verify one’s identity such as during Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening or when asked to do so by the ticket or gate agent or any law enforcement official.

Do steroids help reduce the effect of COVID-19?

The steroid medication dexamethasone has been proven to help people severely ill with COVID-19.

Can a patient with COVID-19 symptoms use a nebulizer at home?

Exhalations through nebulizers used by someone with COVID-19 can spray the virus into the air. The virus can be present in the air of that room for up to two hours, according to asthma experts. This could potentially infect others.

How can I use albuterol safely for an asthma episode during the COVID-19 pandemic?

If you have any questions about asthma medicines and the coronavirus, talk with your doctor. If you need to take quick-relief medicine (such as albuterol) for an asthma episode, use an inhaler (with a spacer) if possible. Using a nebulizer can increase the risk of sending virus particles in the air if you are sick.

Who are some groups at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19?

Some people may be at higher risk of severe illness. This includes older adults (65 years and older) and people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions. By using strategies that help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace, you will help protect all employees, including those at higher risk.

Who is most vulnerable to get severely ill from COVID-19?

The risk increases for people in their 50s and increases in 60s, 70s, and 80s. People 85 and older are the most likely to get very sick.

Other factors can also make you more likely to get severely ill with COVID-19, such as having certain underlying medical conditions.

Who is at risk for severe COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a new disease and CDC is learning more about it every day. Among adults, the risk for severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age, with older adults at highest risk. Severe illness means that the person with COVID-19 may require hospitalization, intensive care, or a ventilator to help them breathe, or they may even die. People of any age with certain underlying medical conditions (which now include pregnancy) are also at increased risk for severe illness from SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Does wearing a mask harm your health?

No, wearing a mask will not harm your health even if you are sick with a cold or allergies. If your mask gets too moist just make sure you are changing it regularly.

Does high blood pressure increase your susceptibility to COVID-19 and its complications?

Growing data shows a higher risk of COVID-19 infections and complications in people with high blood pressure.

Do I have to wear a mask every time I leave the house?

You should be wearing a mask outside if:

• It is difficult to maintain the recommended 6-foot social distancing from others (such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy or walking on a busy street or in a crowded neighborhood)

• If required to by law. Many areas now have mandatory masking regulations when in public

What are underlying health conditions that put someone at risk for severe COVID-19?

The CDC has published a complete list of the medical conditions that put adults at high risk of severe COVID. The list includes cancer, dementia, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, chronic lung or kidney disease, pregnancy, heart conditions, liver disease, and down syndrome, among others.

What are symptoms of COVID-19 affecting the lungs?

Some people may feel short of breath. People with chronic heart, lung, and blood diseases may be at risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms, including pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, and acute respiratory failure.

How do you know if you are allergic to the COVID-19 vaccine?

An immediate allergic reaction happens within 4 hours after getting vaccinated and could include symptoms such as hives, swelling, and wheezing (respiratory distress).

What are some symptoms of a COVID-19 breakthrough case?

In fact, the top five symptoms for people with a breakthrough infection were headache, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat and loss of smell. Notably absent: fever and persistent cough, which are in the top five for unvaccinated people, according to the data compiled by the U.K. researchers.

What are some possible symptoms of long-COVID?

Symptoms range from brain fog to persistent fatigue to extended loss of smell or taste to numbness to shortness of breath.

Who experiences lingering COVID-19 symptoms?

Older people and people with many serious medical conditions are the most likely to experience lingering COVID-19 symptoms, but even young, otherwise healthy people can feel unwell for weeks to months after infection.