The Westchester County Child Fatality Review Team (CFRT) recently investigated the death of two adolescents after their passing due to asthma. Neither child was directly diagnosed with the coronavirus, but it was ruled that both deaths could have been prevented if they had received proper medical attention. Asthma has been ruled as a dangerous feature for extreme disease in children and adults who are infected with Covid-19. Both children were known asthma patients prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dr. Sherlita Amler, the Westchester County health commissioner underlined the significance of taking your child to the doctor if necessary, regardless of the pandemic. Neither child had gone to visit their doctors regarding their asthma since the start of the pandemic.

“During an acute exacerbation of asthma don’t be afraid to take your child to the doctor or hospital if needed,” said Amler.

The CFRT strongly recommended that individuals with asthma adhere strictly to Covid-19 guidelines at all times, which include practicing social distancing and wearing a mask when necessary.

People with asthma should make sure to take their asthma medication daily as prescribed by their doctor and stay in regular contact with their asthma doctor. The use of inhalers has been proved to decrease the severity of Covid-19 respiratory symptoms in patients of all ages diagnosed with asthma.

Signs that a child may need a change in their asthma therapy include chronic cough, inability to go to school because of sickness, demonstrated need of a visit to the emergency room or hospitalization. It is also very important that all children, especially those with asthma, receive their flu shot each year. Appointments with an asthma doctor are recommended so that families can develop the most effective plan for children’s’ safety, including which inhaler suits a child best and what to do when certain symptoms occur. People with asthma should also avoid cigarette smoke.