If you have asthma, you must mention it as a pre-existing condition on your travel insurance policy.
You’ll be well covered if you have proper travel insurance in place that covers asthma, if you experience a medical emergency while abroad, or if you need to cancel your vacation.
What’s more, you’ll be protected against things like misplaced luggage and stolen passports.
With one in every twenty people claiming on their annual travel insurance in 2018*, it’s worth double-checking your coverage.
Can I get travel insurance if I have asthma?
You will not be insured to cancel your trip or claim for medical expenses if you do not declare your medical condition on your travel insurance and suffer an unexpected attack while abroad or before you are scheduled to depart.
If you have asthma, you must mention your disease, whether minor or severe, in order to obtain proper travel insurance. In the event that you have a medical emergency while on vacation, notifying the insurance puts the medical team one step ahead of the game.
Does asthma make you susceptible to coronavirus?
According to numerous research, having asthma does not increase your chances of contracting COVID-19 or developing severe COVID-19. 1,2,3 Persons with well-controlled asthma have less severe COVID-19 outcomes than people with uncontrolled asthma, according to a study published in “The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice” (JACI: In Practice). 4
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to classify moderate-to-severe asthma as a chronic lung disease that can increase your risk of COVID-19-related illness.
Whatever the case may be, it is critical to keep your asthma under control. If your asthma is uncontrolled, you’re more likely to have an asthma attack, visit the emergency department, remain in the hospital, or possibly die. If you believe your asthma is out of control, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
Even though asthmatics are not at the greatest risk for COVID-19, it is crucial to keep your asthma under control. Common asthma and allergy medications do not enhance your chances of contracting COVID-19. They will assist you in managing your asthma. If you stop taking your asthma medications, you’re more likely to have an asthma attack. Take your medications as directed in your Asthma Action Plan at the first sign of symptoms. Continue to take these medications exactly as directed:
Consult your doctor if you have any queries about asthma medications or COVID-19.
If you need to take a quick-relief medicine (such as albuterol) for an asthma attack, try to use an inhaler (with a spacer if your doctor says so). If you’re unwell, using a nebulizer increases your risk of spreading virus particles through the air. However, if you have a nebulizer and solution, you can use these to treat an asthma attack. When using a nebulizer, keep the number of people in the room to a minimum or use it alone.
Should I fly with asthma?
To adjust to the reduced air pressure in airline cabins, those with severe asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may require onboard oxygen or supplementary oxygen. (Because airline cabins are pressurized for high altitudes, less oxygen is present in the air throughout the journey.)
First, see your doctor to see if flying is safe for you and if you’ll require in-flight oxygen. (If you have COPD, it may be necessary.) Some airlines provide passengers with oxygen when needed (but may require a fee). It is critical that this request be made at the time of booking. You might want to include a letter from your doctor explaining why you require oxygen throughout the travel.
Passengers are allowed to bring their own oxygen onboard, according to FAA regulations. Most portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) battery-operated devices that supply supplementary oxygen are accepted by airlines. (For a list of permitted POCs, refer to FAA.gov.) Remember to bring a backup battery pack for your POC.
Is asthma a pre-existing condition for insurance?
A health ailment you had before the start date of your new health coverage, such as asthma, diabetes, or cancer. Insurance companies can’t refuse to cover or charge you more for treatment for a pre-existing condition.
Is asthma a disability?
Has your child been turned down by a preschool? Is your child missing out on a field trip because a teacher is terrified of using an epinephrine auto-injector? Do you get sick from a moldy carpet at work or school? Is it difficult for you to work in offices, hotel rooms, or conference centers because of stale smoke?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights statute that protects people with disabilities. It offers disabled individuals the right to request changes in rules, procedures, or conditions that discriminate against them or put them at a disadvantage. People with disabilities shall have full access to all facilities, programs, goods, and services provided by public companies and places. They must also provide them with the opportunity to enjoy these sites and services in the same way that people without disabilities do.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is based on Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. According to the Rehabilitation Act, federally funded agencies, programs, and services cannot discriminate against people with disabilities in employment or education.
People with disabilities must be able to access and use these areas. Because of a disability, no one should be excluded or refused benefits. They cannot be left out because of others’ ignorance, attitudes, or assumptions concerning impairments.
Does the ADA Apply to People with Asthma and Allergies?
Yes. A person with a disability, as defined under the ADA and Section 504, is someone who has or is suspected of having a physical or mental impairment that significantly limits one or more main living activities. Under the ADA, asthma and allergies are frequently recognized impairments.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was amended in 2008 to include more people in the term of “disabled.” Conditions that only manifest symptoms at specific times have now been added to the list. Asthma and allergies fall within this category. Even if reactions or attacks only occur when triggered, the ADA protects those with asthma and allergies. The ADA can aid in the creation of a climate in which patients can avoid their triggers.
Additionally, the use of medical aids or gadgets does not disqualify individuals from ADA coverage. People with asthma who relied on an inhaler, for example, were not previously covered by the ADA. The inhaler was supposed to have taken care of the problem. The ADA now covers persons with asthma and allergies, even if their symptoms are controlled by medicine, because to revisions made in 2008.
How Does the ADA Work?
The ADA assists persons with asthma and allergies in creating safer, healthier work, shopping, and eating environments. It also benefits students who attend public and non-religious private schools, even though they are not funded by the federal government. A private preschool, for example, may be required to enable a child to take a quick-relief asthma inhaler during the day. Alternatively, a corporation cannot reject to recruit a qualified worker with food allergies because the lunchroom may need to be made allergy-friendly.
Everyone works together to improve conditions, promote equitable access, and include people with disabilities in most cases. This is referred to as a compromise. Because each person’s needs change based on the situation, accommodations are given on an individual basis.
However, an organization is not required to make an accommodation that imposes a “undue burden” or results in a “fundamental change” to its program. A tiny business without the financial resources to handle the additional costs of accommodation is an example of an excessive burden. Some concessions may have a significant impact on a company’s ability to conduct business, resulting in a significant shift. An organization must make a good faith attempt to identify and implement changes that are acceptable. Only after exhausting all other possibilities can an organization refuse to make concessions. Finding what works may necessitate some creativity and flexibility.
Making the ADA Work for You
Speak with a school administration, management, employer, human specialist, or disabilities service coordinator if you or your child requires assistance due to asthma or allergies. They should be aware of the system for assisting you in obtaining necessary adjustments, aids, or services. For assistance and creative, practical ideas, you can turn to a variety of places.
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) maintains a hotline where you may get answers to your inquiries, obtain free information, and learn how to file a complaint. The ADA Hotline can be reached at 800-514-0301 (voice) or 800-514-0383 (telecommunications) (TTY). On their website, www.ada.gov, there is additional useful information concerning the ADA.
Don’t Be Afraid to Speak Up
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) forbids retribution, harassment, or coercion against anyone who exercise their rights or help others do so. If you believe you have been treated unfairly, you can submit a complaint with the Department of Justice. In circumstances of general public importance or where there is a “pattern or practice” of discrimination, the DOJ can sue for monetary damages and civil penalties. http://www.ada.gov/investag.htm contains a list of all federal entities that handle ADA complaints.
You can also bring a private litigation in order to obtain a court order compelling a company or program to make necessary modifications and possibly pay attorney’s costs. You may also be able to reclaim your employment and receive back pay.
Can asthma patients get Covid vaccine?
Yes, says Purvi Parikh, MD, a board-certified allergist and national spokesperson for the Allergy & Asthma Network. People with underlying medical issues like asthma can have the COVID-19 vaccine if they haven’t had an allergic reaction to the vaccine or any of its ingredients in the past.
Does asthma protect against Covid?
Asthma may protect against poor COVID-19 outcomes through a variety of mechanisms, including altered viral entry receptor expression, inhaled corticosteroid use, chronic inflammation, viral shielding, and/or mucus hypersecretion.
Do I have to wear a mask on an airplane if I have asthma?
Asthmatics can, in fact, wear face masks. “It’s probably not going to be a concern for those with moderate asthma or well-controlled asthma,” said Dr. David Stukus, a member of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s Medical Scientific Council (AAFA).
Can you take an inhaler on a plane?
Yes, inhalers are safe to use on planes, and you should definitely bring your reliever (along with a spare) with you. Put all of your medications in a clear plastic bag in your carry-on luggage, along with a copy of each prescription in case you’re questioned at security. Inhalers are typically 15-20ml in size, therefore they fall comfortably inside the 100ml limit and can be brought into the cabin.
You can bring critical medicines on board that are more than 100ml, but you must obtain prior authorisation from the airline and airport, which must be accompanied by a letter from your doctor or a prescription.
When packing asthma medication for your holiday:
- Take a copy of your usual prescriptions with you on your vacation, including the generic names of drugs, in case you need help or need to replace them.
- Bring spare inhalers and all of your asthma medicines in hand luggage in case your checked luggage goes missing or is damaged in the baggage hold.
- All asthma medications must be in their original packaging, with the prescription label and pharmacy contact information clearly visible.
Is an inhaler considered a liquid when flying?
Always keep your drugs in your carry-on bag. (If I’m going away for more than a few days or have spares, I keep a second set in my checked bag.) While you are not required to take prescription medicines that are liquids, gels, or aerosols from your bag (including inhalers, which are aerosols), and they are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule, I recommend doing so to get things moving quickly. When I travel, I normally keep my meds in a pencil case large enough for my four inhalers and an AeroChamber (plus whatever else gets in there), which I then transfer to a large clear Ziploc bag.