“People with asthma should continue to use their inhaled asthma controller medications during the COVID-19 pandemic.Some sources have suggested that “corticosteroids” should be avoided during the COVID-19 epidemic. This advice is about the use of oral corticosteroids unless there is a clear indication for their use. However, patients with asthma should not stop their prescribed inhaled corticosteroid controller medication (or prescribed oral corticosteroids).Stopping inhaled corticosteroids often leads to potentially dangerous worsening of asthma, and avoiding oral corticosteroids during severe asthma attacks may have serious consequences. Long-term oral corticosteroids may sometimes be required to treat severe asthma, and it may be dangerous to stop them suddenly. Always discuss with your doctor or nurse before stopping any asthma medication.Keep taking your inhaled asthma controller medication, and if your asthma gets worse, follow the instructions on your asthma action plan for how to change your asthma medications and when to seek medical help.These recommendations apply to both adults and children with asthma.” GINAPatients should maintain strict social distancing at work and with family and friends, wash/sanitize hands and surfaces frequently and wear a mask if closer contact with individuals is necessary.
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