Note: The explanatory videos correspond to the state of knowledge of the broadcast date. Since not much is known about the novel coronavirus, many findings are not yet adequately backed up medically and scientifically and are backed up by studies.
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In the case of hay fever, the immune system of those affected actually considers harmless pollen and grasses as threatening foreign bodies and starts a defense reaction: Antibodies flash and trigger inflammation in the upper respiratory tract. The consequences are itching and sneezing, runny nose and swollen mucous membranes. But allergy sufferers don’t have a weaker immune system than non-allergy sufferers. Antibodies for allergens are different from those for viruses – and both can work without problems at the same time. Even while so-called IgE antibodies attack the allergens in people with hay fever, the IgG antibodies important for fighting viruses are always ready to attack the coronavirus.
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The Foundation of the German Pollen Information Service has therefore officially declared that, according to current knowledge, allergy sufferers are not at increased risk of becoming infected with the novel corona virus. Likewise, there is no increased risk of a severe course of the disease. This applies to children and adults and to all forms of allergies: pollen, mite and food allergies as well as allergic asthma. An increased risk could only exist in severe asthma, which is associated with a disorder of the lung function.
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By the way, nobody should change their medication without consulting a doctor. Asthma sprays in particular, even if they contain cortisone, do not suppress the immune system. For allergy sufferers, just like everyone else, the best protection is keeping your distance and regular hand hygiene.
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