loading page

COVID-19 and allergy: how to take care of allergic patients during a pandemic?
  • Antonella Cianferoni
Antonella Cianferoni
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Corresponding Author:cianferonia@email.chop.edu

Author Profile

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), also known as COVID-19, is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans. SARS-CoV-2 is recognized as a highly contagious respiratory virus with severe morbidity and mortality, especially in vulnerable populations. Being a novel disease, everyone is susceptible, there are no vaccine and no treatment. To contain the spread of the disease, health authorities throughout the world have restricted the social interactions of individuals in various degrees. Allergists like other physicians are faced with the challenge of providing care for their patients, while protecting themselves and patients from getting infected, with strategies that are in continuous evolution as States work through the different stages of social distance. Allergist provides care for patients with the most common noncommunicable disease in the world: asthma, allergic rhinitis, food allergy, venom allergy, drug allergy atopic dermatitis, and urticarial. Some of these diseases are not only considered risk factors for severe reactions but also have symptoms like cough and sneezing that are in differential diagnosis with COVID-19, and as we move forward may prevent allergy patient from working, go to school or access medical services that increasingly are allowing only asymptomatic patients. In this review, we will outline how to take care safety of different allergic patients during the pandemic.
11 Aug 2020Submitted to Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
12 Aug 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
12 Aug 2020Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
15 Aug 20201st Revision Received
19 Aug 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
20 Aug 2020Editorial Decision: Accept
Nov 2020Published in Pediatric Allergy and Immunology volume 31 issue S26 on pages 96-101. 10.1111/pai.13367