What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 testing

COVID-19 tests are no longer free for most people.

You can get free COVID-19 rapid lateral flow tests if your lung condition means you’re eligible for COVID-19 treatments. If you’re eligible, you can order tests for free through GOV.UK or by calling 119.

If you work in healthcare or social care, you may also be entitled to free tests. Check the advice for England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

If you are not eligible for free rapid lateral flow tests, you can buy them from some pharmacies and shops, both in-store and online.  
 

If you have a long-term lung condition, you’re at a higher risk of becoming very ill with coronavirus. This includes people with:

• asthma, if it’s poorly controlled 
• bronchiectasis
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema
• cystic fibrosis
• interstitial lung disease, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), sarcoidosis hypersensitivity pneumonitis or pneumoconiosis
• bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)
• lung cancer 
• mesothelioma 
• pulmonary hypertension
• other long-term health issues that affect the lungs, such as an autoimmune condition or connective tissue disease.

You are also more at risk if you’ve recently had a lung transplant.

Am I more at risk from COVID-19 if I have asthma?  

Most people with well-controlled asthma are not at any higher risk of becoming very ill with coronavirus than the general population.

People with poorly controlled asthma are more at risk. Poorly controlled asthma means you:  

• have taken two or more courses of oral corticosteroids in the last 24 months (two years), or
• take steroid tablets every day for your asthma, or
• have had one or more hospital admissions for asthma in the last 24 months (two years).

If you’re having asthma symptoms or use your reliever inhaler three or more times a week, it’s a sign your asthma is not as well controlled as it could be. Make an appointment to see your GP or asthma nurse.

Biologic therapies for severe asthma do not increase your risk of getting infected with COVID-19 or becoming very ill with it.

Am I more at risk if I take immunosuppressive medicine?  

Some medicines that you take to treat your lung condition can make your immune system weaker. If you’re taking any of these medicines, you could be at higher risk from COVID-19: 

• prednisolone
• methotrexate
• mycophenolate mofetil
• mercaptopurine
• oral tacrolimus
• ciclosporin
• azathioprine.

If you’re not sure whether the medicines you’re taking mean you’re more at risk, check with your doctor or healthcare professional.
 

We understand if you feel worried or anxious about coronavirus, especially if you live with a long-term lung condition.  

Here are some ways to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing: 

• Try to keep active. You could use our physical activity videos. Getting outside for some fresh air can improve your mood too. 
• Keep in touch with your friends and family. In stressful times we cope better with support from those close to us.  
• Ask for help if you need it. We have advice for looking after your mental health.
• Join one of our support groups. We have a mixture of virtual and in-person sessions.
• Join our Health Unlocked forum. This is a safe space to connect with other people that are living with lung conditions.