COPD may not make it more likely that you contract COVID-19, but it may increase your risk of severe symptoms and hospitalization. Follow these tips to keep yourself safe and healthy.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may heighten the risk associated with COVID-19.

Because COVID-19 affects your respiratory system, it may increase the chance of COVID-19 complications for those with COPD and worsen health outcomes.

Having COPD may not increase your risk of contracting COVID-19. But the lung damage COPD causes may increase your chance of developing more severe COVID-19 symptoms.

A 2020 research review found COPD to be one of the most prevalent underlying diseases present in people hospitalized for COVID-19.

Similar surveillance data published in 2020 reported chronic lung disease as one of the most common underlying health conditions among COVID-19 cases.

According to the data, chronic lung disease is responsible for 6 times the number of COVID-19-related hospitalizations.

Another 2020 study suggests that people with COPD are:

  • five times more likely to develop COVID-19 from contracting SARS-CoV-2
  • more likely to have profound oxygenation issues
  • more likely to be admitted to an intensive care unit and need mechanical ventilation
  • more likely to die from COVID-19

If you have COPD, it’s especially important to take steps to ensure that you don’t contract COVID-19.

STAY

  • at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from other people
  • away from mass gatherings and large events
  • away from people who are sick with COVID-19 or show presumptive symptoms

DO

  • wash your hands well with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time you touch a contaminated surface
  • use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when you can’t wash your hands right away
  • cover your mouth and nose with the crook of your elbow or a clean tissue each time you cough or sneeze
  • regularly clean and disinfect surfaces you touch often
  • wear a snug-fitting face mask with at least 2 layers when in public and around others
  • talk with your doctor if you have concerns about wearing a face mask

DON’T

  • touch your nose, mouth, eyes, or face without washing or sanitizing your hands first
  • share dining utensils, towels, and bedding with others if you or they are sick
  • share a bedroom, bathroom, and other common rooms with others if you or they are sick
  • travel, especially by air

It’s also important to pay attention to your health and not let COVID-19 disrupt the steps you typically take to manage your COPD.

KEEP

*Try to have the above supplies delivered to limit exposure and contact.

If you have symptoms, let your doctor know. They’ll:

  • assess your symptoms
  • advise you on what measures to take
  • arrange for necessary interventions
  • determine if and when you need to test for COVID-19

Let your doctor know if you’ve been within 6 feet of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or has symptoms for at least 15 minutes. This is known as close contact. You’ll need to isolate for 14 days if you’ve had close contact.

If you don’t have a primary care doctor, contact your local public health department for care and testing options.

COVID-19 symptoms usually show up in this order

Current treatments aim to alleviate symptoms of COVID-19. How well these treatments work depends on your health status and the severity of your illness.

You may be able to recover at home. But, if the infection progresses, you may need medical attention.

At-home care

If your symptoms are mild, your doctor may advise you to care for yourself at home. This includes:

  • isolating until your symptoms improve
  • carefully monitoring your symptoms to ensure they don’t worsen
  • isolating until your fever has reduced without the aid of fever-reducing medications for at least 24 hours
  • checking your temperature at least twice daily to determine if you have a fever

Speak with your doctor before discontinuing isolation. If you have a weakened immune system, you may be able to transmit COVID-19 for more than 10 days.

If you use nebulized bronchodilator treatments at home, close the door of your room before starting treatment, as it may aerosolize SARS-CoV-2.

Keep it closed for at least 3 hours afterward since COVID-19 viral particles may remain in the air for 1 to 3 hours.

Primary care doctor or urgent care

See your doctor or go to a local urgent care clinic if you develop any of the following symptoms:

  • mild, intermittent shortness of breath
  • mild, intermittent chest or abdominal pain
  • persistent coughing
  • low grade fever of 100.4°F (38°C) to less than 103°F (39.4°C) that lasts more than 3 days and doesn’t improve with cooling measures

Emergency care

Call 911, or go to a hospital’s emergency department as soon as possible if you develop any of the following symptoms:

  • persistent or severe shortness of breath
  • persistent or severe chest or abdominal pain
  • confusion or trouble thinking clearly
  • bluish lips or nail beds
  • high grade fever of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher that recurs or doesn’t improve with cooling measures
  • headache
  • vomiting and/or diarrhea

Having COPD won’t necessarily put you at a higher risk of developing COVID-19. But, because COVID-19 affects the respiratory system, having COPD may increase your chance of developing more serious COVID-19 complications.

If you have COPD, follow your usual care plan and all public health recommendations to minimize your risk of contracting and transmitting COVID-19.

If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, contact your doctor. They’ll advise you on what measures to take. They’ll also determine if and when you need to test for COVID-19.

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