Coronavirus Information for the COPD Community

The COPD Foundation is carefully monitoring the outbreak of a new disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus and which has been named coronavirus disease 2019 (abbreviated as "COVID-19"). We are working with our Medical and Scientific Experts to ensure that accurate information is shared with our community.

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Our Latest COVID-19 Q&A

Our community has asked questions about COVID variants, vaccine boosters, and the continued need to wear masks. Read our latest August 2021 question and answer post to find out the answers to these questions and others.

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The global situation changes daily and the World Health Organization updates their recommendations regularly https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public. We also encourage you to regularly visit the CDC website and check in with your state health department's website for local information. We are providing regular updates and answers to your questions in this blog post.

During this time of social distancing many patients have minimal access to pulmonary rehabilitation. The COPD Foundation partnered with the American Thoracic Society and the American Lung Association and published a patient information sheet in the April issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (AJRCCM).

The COPD Foundation, in partnership with the American College of Chest Physicians, American Lung Association, and American Thoracic Society released the following statement in response to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendation for facial coverings to be worn in public settings during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. For more information review the facial covering statement.

Educational information "Face Coverings in a Pandemic" published in August 2020 by the American Thoracic Society can be found here. There are some questions about whether face masks/coverings are safe or could cause breathing problems or issues for people with COPD. Our continued message is that face masks/coverings are important and should be used. For more information, we have this link to a resource from the American Thoracic Society.

We also invite you to visit our special section devoted to COVID-19 in our peer-reviewed scientific Journal at: https://journal.copdfoundation.org/Covid19.

Exercise is so important at this time of global crisis. We updated our Exercise for Someone with COPD page with help from experts to make sure everyone keeps moving.

A research team at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is trying to better understand the effects that novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is having on the lives of people, including patients and healthcare workers.

As more states move to reopen the economy and restart routine medical care, you may be wondering if you should resume in-person healthcare when needed. This document will help you make an informed decision along with your healthcare team. Considerations for Resuming In Person Healthcare (PDF)

Approved US Vaccines

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, two companies, Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna Inc, received emergency use approval in late 2020 and early 2021 respectively to distribute and administer new mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. These vaccines require two doses, several weeks apart.

On February 27, 2021 the Food and Drug administration approved the use of Johnson & Johnson single dose vaccine. Other vaccines are still in development.

Results from a recent study suggested vaccinated immunocompromised transplant recipients should continue to take precautions to avoid infection because their medications may keep them at at risk for COVID-19 after 2 doses of mRNA vaccine.

Reference: Boyarsky BJ, Werbel WA, Avery RK, et al. Antibody Response to 2-Dose SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccine Series in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients. JAMA. Published online May 05, 2021. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.7489

Approved treatments for COVID-19

The FDA approved Veklury (remdesivir), the first treatment for COVID-19 on October 23, 2020. Remdesivir has been used to treat patients age 12 and over who have been hospitalized with COVID-19. This medication is a powerful antiviral drug and must be administered to patients who are in a hospital setting for appropriate monitoring. This first approved drug for treating severe COVID has been shown to shorten hospitalizations but unfortunately does not appear to alter the risk of dying from COVID The welcome news of this approval comes at a time when much of the country is seeing an increase number of cases and hospitalizations. Click here for more information.

On June 24 2021 the FDA issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the drug Actemra (tocilizumab) for the treatment of hospitalized adults and pediatric patients (2 years of age and older) who are receiving systemic corticosteroids and require supplemental oxygen, non-invasive or invasive mechanical ventilation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

Monoclonal Antibody Therapeutics

On June 4th 2021, a monoclonal antibody combination (Casirivimab and Indevimab) was authorized by the US FDA for use under an Emergency Use Authorization to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients (12 years of age and older weighing ≥40 kg) with positive results of direct SARS-CoV-2 viral testing, and who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death.

Information can be found on the Department of health and Human Services website.

If you are a health care professional, click here for more information.

On May 26 2021 the FDA granted an EUA for sotrovimab, an investigational single-dose monoclonal antibody, for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and paediatric patients (12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kg) with positive results of direct SARS-CoV-2 viral testing, and who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalisation or death.

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Based on community feedback on COPD360social, many of you lack access to Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Gyms and other group exercise programs. As staying active is very important to our health, below are a few links that you may find helpful:

• A patient handout with useful links we prepared in collaboration with the American Thoracic Society and the American Lung Association called: What to do When Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) is Unavailable
• An expert blog on the COPD Digest
• Guided exercise tips and videos on our Exercise web page

Our most recent surveys indicated that the many members of our community are using Airway Clearance techniques and are worried about the aerosol they generate. In response we are sharing:

• Our web page dedicated to coping with airway mucus
• Aerosol spread of respiratory virus: A video interview with Professor Kimberly Prather, PhD, Distinguished Chair in Atmospheric Chemistry at UC San Diego (interviewed by Dr. John LaPook)

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COVID-19 Webinar Series Recordings and Materials

The COPD Foundation wants you to know you are not alone during this time. We are hosting a series of informational webinars to provide updated public health and medical information about managing your COPD during the COVID-19 pandemic. Webinars address critical topics like how to prevent exposure to the coronavirus, strategies for maintaining your emotional well-being, and frequently asked questions about COPD and COVID-19. Webinar recordings, written transcripts and copies of slides can be accessed here approximately 24-48 hours after the live event. If you are unable to access the recordings on your devices or have additional questions, please email us at statecaptains@copdfoundation.org.

Join us in learning how we can face this crisis together.

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What People At Higher Risk For Severe Disease Should Do

Take Steps to help Prevent COVID-19 (extracted from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/index.html)

• Stay home if possible
• Wash your hands often
• Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others (6 feet is best)
• Keep away from people who are sick
• Stock up on supplies
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
• Avoid all cruise travel and non-essential air travel

Take Steps to Manage Your Health (extracted from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/index.html)

• Continue your medications and do not change your treatment plan without talking to a doctor
• Have at least a 2-week supply of prescription and non-prescription medications (we recommend you request a one-time 90-day refill if possible)
• Talk to your healthcare provider about whether your vaccinations are up to date
• Do not delay getting emergency care for your underlying condition
• Call your healthcare provider if you have any concerns

If you MUST go out in public take these precautions:

• Try to keep about 6 feet of distance between you and other people
• Wash your hands often and use alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wipes
• Avoid using medications while out unless medically necessary to minimize chances of contamination
• If you use oxygen, consider a few extra steps
  • Regularly wipe down your tubing and canula with alcohol pads and wipe it down when you return
  • Don’t set your portable oxygen concentrator or tank down while you are out if possible and be sure to wipe it down with alcohol pads when you return
  • Make sure you wash your hands or use sanitizer before touching your tubing or canula
  • Bring an extra set of tubing in case yours accidentally falls onto the ground or another surface
• Wear a cloth face covering if possible
• If going to an appointment, have a plan. Call from the parking lot and wait to go in until they are ready to take you back

Get answers to your questions about COVID-19 and COPD on our blog or click the question below to be directed to the date your question was posted. Click the date to view the content.

• What should people with COPD do to prevent from contracting COVID-19?
• Should people with COPD wear masks in public?
• Should people with COPD cancel travel plans because of COVID-19?
• Should I cancel my routine doctor’s appointments or screenings to avoid exposure to medical facilities?
• What should people with COPD do to prepare for COVID-19 or the potential of voluntary home isolation?
• Can I catch COVID-19 from packages like mail or grocery bags?
• How do we know the difference between a typical exacerbation (flare-up) and symptoms of COVID-19?
• How should I adjust my COPD Action Plan during the COVID-19 outbreak?
• Will contracting COVID-19 make my COPD worse in the long-term?
• Why do we need the flu and pneumonia vaccines when they don’t protect against COVID-19?
• Will people with COPD be able to get tested if we are concerned about symptoms?
• Will I have to pay for COVID-19 related testing and services? Can I get an early refill or 90-day supply to prepare for the possibility of home isolation?
• What do I do if the pharmacy runs out of my COPD medications and I can’t locate them at another pharmacy?
• What should I be asking the facility where my family member with COPD lives about their plans for people with respiratory disease?
• What are the best resources to teach my family good handwashing technique?
• Can I make my own hand sanitizer?
• Should I wear a face mask? Does it matter what type of mask?

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