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Written question asked by Lord Truscott (Independent Labour) on Tuesday, 21 April 2020, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 5 May 2020. It was answered by Lord Bethell (Conservative) on Tuesday, 12 May 2020 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Coronavirus: Asthma and Hay Fever

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Bethell on 6 April (HL2662), what assessment they have made of the particular vulnerability of hay fever and asthma sufferers to COVID-19.

Answer

At present there is insufficient evidence to determine whether there is any particular vulnerability of hay fever and asthma sufferers to COVID-19.

The British Thoracic Society’s Advice for Healthcare Professionals Treating People with Asthma (adults) in relation to COVID-19 and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s COVID-19 rapid guideline: severe asthma, recommend that patients should continue taking their regular medications in line with their personalised asthma action plan. Some patients with severe asthma have been identified as being potentially extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 and been placed in the shielding group.

With regards to hay fever, the Global Initiative for Asthma and the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma organisation recommend that people with allergic rhinitis should continue to take their nasal corticosteroids, as prescribed by their healthcare professional.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL3354
Session
2019-21
Related items
Coronavirus: Hay Fever
Monday, 6 April 2020
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects
Asthma Hay fever Coronavirus
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk