COVID-19 Health Alert! Asthma patients should not wear face masks; know why
These days wearing face masks are so important if you are stepping outside for any work due to the novel coronavirus outbreak worldwide. But, asthma patients or people having any other respiratory problems need not wear the face mask, the government and various health experts have warned in the UK.
According to the new advice released by the UK government, the public should wear face coverings either in public transport or in crowded places indoors in order to stop the further spread of the virus.
People having lung-related problems for them the situation has been named a “Catch 22” because for them using a face mask could make it harder to breathe difficultly and also put health on risk, metro.co.uk reported.
In official guidance, the Cabinet Office states: “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,” statement said.
The advice has been supported by Asthma UK which nodes that face-covering could affect people having asthma.
The charity’s advice states: “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,” further added.
Government advice states ‘cloth face covering should cover your mouth and nose while allowing you to breathe comfortably’. Also, advise people to wash their hands before touching their eyes, nose, or mouth.
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First published: 19 May 2020, 17:21 IST