Scientists have said that people with asthma should avoid wearing face masks where possible.
This goes against current public advice, that suggests you wear some sort of face covering when out of the house, and going shopping or traveling to work on public transport for example.
But asthmatics and other respiratory illness sufferers are in a sort of a lose-lose situation, because the very masks that are meant to protect them, are in fact doing some harm too, leaving them more exposed and slightly more likely to catch Coronavirus than the average person; whilst being more high risk than the average person.
The official guidance reads: ‘If you can, wear a face covering in an enclosed space where social distancing isn’t possible and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet. This is most relevant for short periods indoors in crowded areas, for example, on public transport or in some shops.
‘Face coverings should not be used by children under the age of 2 or those who may find it difficult to manage them correctly. For example, primary age children unassisted, or those with respiratory conditions.’
The charity Asthma UK also backs up what the government is suggesting, and has commented on the new guidance saying: ‘For some people with asthma, wearing a face covering might not be easy. It could make it feel harder to breathe.
‘The government has advised that people with respiratory conditions don’t need to wear face coverings, so if you are finding it hard, then don’t wear one.’
Especially at this kind of year, where hay fever and hot weather can have a big effect on asthma sufferers too, and hinder their ability to breath comfortably.
Warm air is sometimes actually a trigger for an asthma attack, so unfortunately there’s no easy solution or balance for keeping safe for asthmatics in public it seems. But, at the end of the day, everyone knows their own body better than anyone else, so consider government guidance, as they’re not saying these things for no reason, but do whatever you’re comfortable with, and above all, do something which will keep you the most safe and healthy – this will most likely be not wearing face coverings.
