What are the emergency measures in an ongoing allergy
clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Strategies for risk minimization should be elaborated, harmonized and
followed as such in allergy clinics, centers and
practices.107 In the EAACI/ARIA Position Paper by
Pfaar et al.108 experts in the field have
developed practical recommendations for optimizing allergic patients
‘care whilst ensuring the safety of all health care professionals
(Figure 3 ). General guidance from national health authorities
should be strictly followed (i.e. , World Health Organization,
WHO; European Centre for Disease Prevention). In-person consultations
should be minimized to the lowest necessary level and triaged by
telemedicine whenever possible (Figure 4 ).109Special attention should be paid to data-protection in adherence to
national data-security and –protection laws. Non-delayable diagnostic
and therapeutic measures should strictly follow reasonable preventive
measures. Several specific considerations regarding diagnostic and
therapeutic measures are important in different allergic diseases
(Figure 5 ). Moreover, socio-psychological aspects play a
fundamental role in the care of allergic patients during the current
pandemic and should be especially recognized and followed. Stress caused
by isolation and stigmatization due to allergic symptoms may amplify the
development of allergic symptoms.110