Being asthmatic does not increase your risk of catching coronavirus, scientists claim.
It was originally believed that people who had asthma were at a higher risk of catching it, but researchers from Rutgers University claim this is not the case.
Dr Reynold Panettieri Jr, who is a co-author of the study, says reported risk factors for the development and progression of the virus include older age and conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes and obesity.
“However, people with asthma - even those with diminished lung function who are being treated to manage asthmatic inflammation - seem to be no worse affected by SARS-CoV-2 than a non-asthmatic person.”
“There is limited data as to why this is the case - if it is physiological or a result of the treatment to manage the inflammation," Dr Reynold Panettieri Jr said, the Mirror reports.
Since the cornavirus outbreak in the UK arrived earlier this year, asthmatics may have become hyper-vigilant about social distancing and personal hygiene, according to the research.
Researchers explained: “Social distancing could improve asthma control since people who are self-quarantined are also not as exposed to seasonal triggers that include allergens or respiratory viruses.
“There is also evidence that people are being more attentive to taking their asthma medication during the pandemic, which can contribute to overall health.”
The researchers added that other conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and obesity are likely to put you at higher risk for severe coronavirus.
They said: “If SARS-CoV-2 is a disease that causes dysfunction in the cells that line blood vessels throughout the body, then diabetes, heart disease, obesity and other diseases associated with this condition may make people more susceptible to the virus than those who are asthmatic.
“However, older people with asthma who also have high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease may have similar instances of COVID-19 as non-asthmatics with those conditions.”
