Asthmatic coronavirus

[saturdaymorning]

I'm asthmatic but it is controlled very well, I haven't had an episode since this time last year, it normally happens just once a year. I've taken my preventer without fail day and night.

I'm in such a panic that if I get this virus I will die. Is it likely? Are asthmatics completely doomed? I've not stopped washing my hands, they are sore with washing them. I'm forever disenfecting things. I'm in such a panic, please help

Hello @saturdaymorning. How are you feeling? Have you seen the asthma UK advice. They just updated it today: www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/coronavirus-covid-19.

Please be assured that the mortality rate for this disease is low even for those who are in vulnerable groups. It is NOT inevitable that you will die if you get it but you do need to be more careful than people without a respiratory condition. The main thing is to follow the public health advice and get help if you are having difficulty breathing - as you would in any other year. It is no different in that sense than if you got flu and it made your asthma worse. For your own wellbeing try to find ways to distract yourself from the worry. Do things you enjoy, look up some breathing and grounding techniques. Rest up and take care. It's worrying times but really try to keep in mind the proper advice and don't get sucked into the panic.

Thank you, some really good advice. I really need to stop reading to much media because it's making me worse but I can't help it

Oh I know I've been there! I have decided to stop looking at news and social media (mostly!) as it is just too much sensationalism. I also think most of this place is too hysterical. We need to take this seriously and follow advice and accept that day to day life will be interrupted for some time. And that is scary. Take care and watch something fluffy on tv or read a silly book x

I don't know about you but I find my asthma is hugely impacted by stress. Worrying about COVID - 19 is contributing to my lung effectiveness because of the stress I am feeling.

Me too OP.

I'm in a similar position to you with generally well controlled asthma that only really gets worse when I get a cold or if I go near cats and horses.

I'm get health anxiety from time to time esp if I am stressed.

Not sure I've got any advice, but just wanted to say you are not the only one worrying and that no we defo not completely doomed.

I also get

Every year in March my asthma gets out of control I'm just hoping this year is different. I have been taking the preventer since then religiously, but I'm very panicky and I hope I don't bring it on with feeling like this. I'm trying to stay calm

Do you have any grounding techniques for when you are feeling particularly stressed or anxious? I like the headspace app for guided meditation. Also this might help: www.rickhanson.net/a-meditation-for-feeling-as-safe-as-you-reasonably-can/

Thanks Griefmonster, I'll have a look at that tonight. Feeling a bit calmer tonight x

Great x take care x

How're the asthmatic folk faring this week? 🤞