Castle PartnershipPlease do not order paracetamol on prescription unless you have been taking it regularly to manage conditions such as painful joints (osteoarthritis).
Information for patients with lung and airway conditions (Asthma and COPD)
We have been made aware of some inaccurate information circulating on social media regarding special rescue packs for people with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Please do not contact your GP for a rescue pack. You should continue to manage your condition in the usual way and if you feel you have symptoms of COVID-19 go to the 111 information online before doing anything else
If you’re normally advised to have a rescue pack available to treat your lung condition then it is a good idea to check you have one. This is recommended for some people with COPD to be used as part of a personalised plan. For people with asthma, we do not recommend these as standard.
Patients with asthma should follow the self-management plan provided at their last review. In addition if your asthma is bad enough to consider ‘oral’ steroids it is essential you are assessed by a health care professional. Even at this busy time for the NHS, getting early support for any problems with your lungs is critical to keep you well and out of hospital. During normal hours you should contact your GP for advice. Outside normal hours call or visit 111 online.
Please only order your prescriptions for medicines and inhalers when you have seven day’s supply left. This is national guidance to keep medicines in the supply chain.
If you do not have a pre-existing respiratory condition it is not necessary for you to use inhalers, you should follow generic coronavirus guidance from Public Health England.