How Does Coronavirus Affect Patients with Allergies?

CNNTURK – March 25, 2020

The effects of the coronavirus on some diseases are monitored by experts. So, do allergic diseases pose a risk for coronavirus? How do symptoms of coronavirus disease differ from allergy symptoms? Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Specialist Prof. Dr. Ahmet Akçay explained how the coronavirus affects patients with allergies.

The effects of the coronavirus on pregnant women, children and patients with chronic diseases are monitored by experts. Many factors, including how diseases pose a risk in coronavirus, their effects on diseases, and the effects of drugs used on coronavirus, are monitored by scientists and experts from a multidisciplinary perspective. One of the diseases that the coronavirus is most confused with is those with allergic diseases.

Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Specialist Prof. Dr. Ahmet Akçay gave information about how patients who are allergic to coronavirus are affected by coronavirus.

Those with allergic rhinitis and eye allergies are more likely to get it.

prof. Dr. Expressing that how the new coronavirus (COVID-19) affects allergy sufferers is not yet well known, Ahmet Akçay said that with the coming of the spring season, especially those with allergies to pollen and eye allergies are more likely to get coronavirus infection. prof. Dr. Akçay pointed out that especially in these days when pollen occurs in those with pollen allergies, frequently putting their hands to their nose and eyes and sneezing increase the risk of contracting the coronavirus. Istanbul Okan University Hospital Prof. Dr. Ahmet Akçay talked about the effect of coronavirus on allergic diseases.

What is the impact on coronavirus diseases?

An allergic person who is in contact with the corona virus, which can be in many places such as mobile phone, door handle, stair railing; he will bring his hand to his eyes and nose more often. As a result of this; The risk of contracting corona virus disease will be higher. At the same time, someone with a corona virus will transmit more viruses around because of frequent sneezing and excessive runny nose. As a result, corona virus; It can be transmitted more easily to those with allergies, and allergy sufferers can spread it more around them. Therefore; It will be very useful for those who have allergies to pollen not to be outdoors, to wash their hands more often, to wear a mask, and if possible to wipe their nose and eyes with the outside of their hands.

Do allergic diseases pose a risk for coronavirus?

In the cases reported in China, in patients hospitalized due to the new corona virus; It has been reported that there are no allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis and food allergy. It has been reported that there are very few patients with drug allergies and urticaria.

Are patients with allergies more resistant to coronavirus?

Unfortunately, the information that allergy sufferers have stronger immunity and are protected from coronavirus is unfortunately not true. The immune system of those with allergies works more against allergens, not against germs. Therefore; It has no effect on protection from coronavirus.

How do symptoms of coronavirus disease differ from allergy symptoms?

In coronavirus disease; cough, shortness of breath, fever and sore throat, while allergic rhinitis; frequent sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose are in the foreground and fever is not usually in question. Fever, headache and muscle pain are symptoms that help us distinguish allergic diseases.

Does the use of antihistamines by allergy sufferers weaken immunity?

It does not weaken. On the contrary, it can be beneficial. Especially in those with pollen allergy; nose itching, colds and sneezing can cause the virus to spread more easily. Therefore; If you have symptoms of allergic rhinitis, it will be useful to consult your doctor and use an antihistamine. Use disposable tissue when blowing your nose. Use a mask when using public transport, and soap your hands often.

Are cortisone nasal sprays risky for coronavirus?

It is not risky. On the contrary, cortisone nasal sprays will increase the resistance as they will correct the nasal mucosa of those with allergic rhinitis. Therefore, if your doctor has recommended a cortisone nasal spray, it will be beneficial for you to continue.

What should allergy sufferers use as an antipyretic?

Since there is information about “ibuprofen” that it poses a risk for corona virus, it would be more beneficial to use antipyretics containing “paracetamol”.

What should allergy sufferers use to strengthen immunity for coronavirus?

Drink plenty of fluids and fresh juice. Eat as little red meat as possible. You can take vitamin and mineral supplements, beta glucan, omega 3 fish oil that strengthens the immune system. Also, exercise at home for at least 20-30 minutes every day and get regular sleep. Listen to good music and pay attention to hygiene. Keep your morale high.

These applications will be useful in protecting from coronavirus.

Does allergy vaccination increase the risk of contracting coronavirus?

Wear a mask when going to the clinic for allergy vaccination treatment. Try not to use public transport. If you are going to use public transport, it will be useful to wear a mask. Wash your hands with soap and water after coming to the clinic. Do not come into contact with other patients after vaccination.

Is it necessary to postpone the immunotherapy treatment to protect from the corona virus?

If allergy vaccination is just to be started, you can delay your vaccination for 1-2 months. If you are vaccinated once a week, do not miss your vaccination. Wear a mask when going to the clinic for allergy vaccination treatment. Try not to use public transport. If you are going to use public transport, it will be useful to wear a mask. After coming to the clinic, wash your hands with soapy water. Do not come into contact with other patients after vaccination. Remember, while your vaccination is done once a week, your vaccination can be delayed for a week. However, if there is a break for more than 2 weeks, it will be necessary to start from the first dose. If it is done once a month, it can be delayed for 3 weeks. You may run the risk of restarting your vaccine if it is delayed longer.

Allergic diseases do not increase the risk of coronavirus.

Those with allergic rhinitis and eye allergies should use the outer surfaces of their hands for itchy nose and eye itching.

Disposable wipes should be used while sneezing, otherwise it will be useful to use the inner surface of their arms.

If those with allergic rhinitis are allergic to pollen, you can use antihistamines and nasal sprays in consultation with your doctor to prevent itching and sneezing.

If you are using cortisone nasal spray for allergic rhinitis, do not stop without consulting your doctor.

Pay attention to your nutrition, vitamin support, regular sleep and exercise to keep your immunity high.