The United States has been dealing with a nationwide Albuterol shortage since October 2021 and it could possibly get worse before it gets better, according to doctors.

People with asthma may be wondering if they’re at higher risk for COVID-19, and it turns out they are not. However, they are more likely to be hospitalized if they contract the virus.

Sandra Hong, MD, an allergist at Cleveland Clinic, said managing allergy and asthma symptoms is especially important this year because they often mimic those of COVID-19. When it comes to asthma, its always a good idea to make sure asthma symptoms are well controlled as we approach cold and flu season, to avoid respiratory complications. If your child is attending school in person, she recommends providing the school with an asthma action plan and emergency inhalers. Parents should also be sure asthma control medicines are working properly. Dr. Hong said its safe for kids with asthma and allergies to wear a mask at school, and that having symptoms under control will make wearing a mask more tolerable

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – If you have asthma, you may need to prepare for a shortage of inhalers. Doctors say they are using albuterol, the medicine inside the pump, to help COVID-19 patients breathe. Dr. Thomas Lupoli, an allergist and immunologist, told News4Jax on Thursday that he has been frequently asked about patients with asthma and their risks with the coronavirus. He said while they haven’t seen a shortage of pumps or the medicine, it is a possibility and something asthmatics should prepare for. “That kind of stands true for most viruses in general, where asthmatics would tend to experience much more symptoms than the general population,” Lupoli said.