We invited Dr. Khalilah Gates, a pulmonologist from Northwestern Medicine, to share her experiences as a front-line provider during the COVID-19 pandemic and how the virus has affected people living with COPD. Dr. Gates discussed what we know so far about COVID-19 symptoms and testing, and the best prevention practices for people living with lung disease like COPD.
Common COVID-19 Symptoms
The most common COVID-19 symptoms people experience include cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, body aches, headache, sore throat, new loss of smell or taste, and diarrhea. Symptoms vary by person, so it is important to monitor your health. Symptoms can occur between 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Some people who recover from coronavirus have had longer lasting symptoms, including fatigue and cough.
COVID-19 Tests
There are two types of tests that are currently available: viral tests and antibody tests.
- Viral tests: Collected via nasal swab (most reliable), oral swab, or saliva. Used to
diagnose an active COVID infection. - Antibody tests: Collected through blood draws. A positive antibody test suggests you
were exposed, but we do not know that having antibodies protects you from becoming
re-infected.
Prevention Practices for People Living with COPD and Other Lung Diseases
While people living with COPD are not more at risk for getting COVID, there is an
increased likelihood of having a more severe case of the virus. Dr. Gates suggests the
following for people living with COPD:
- Continue your home medications—now is not the time to stop taking any providerprescribed
medications that help you manage your COPD. - Practice COVID-19 specific guidelines, which include:
- Wearing a mask. It is very important to wear a mask that covers your
mouth AND nose when out in public. If you are having trouble breathing
in your mask, experiment with different fabrics, materials, and types of
masks. If you continue to have difficulty breathing in a mask, you may
need to limit the activities you do that require you to wear a mask. - Clean your hands often. Wash your hands with soap and water for 20
seconds. If you do not have access to soap and water, use alcohol-based
products. - Practice social distancing. Limit contact with people and stay six feet
away from others when possible. - Clean and disinfect surfaces often.
- Wearing a mask. It is very important to wear a mask that covers your
- Stay as active as possible. Take walks whenever possible and visit the RHA website for
tips on exercise while staying home. - See your doctor. Hospitals have protocols in place to minimize transmission of COVID-19,
but many doctors now have the option to use telehealth (which include video visits and
phone calls). - Stay up to date with your vaccines, including the getting the influenza vaccine. Now is
the right time to be getting your flu shot.
If you would like to learn more about the relationship between COPD and COVID-19, view one of our webinars on-demand.