There are concerns people with asthma and allergies may face discrimination due to similarities with Covid-19 symptoms. According to the study, the number of those who say they were living with asthma in Otago was 7%. It was important to show empathy to those living with asthma and allergies, he said. Among those New Zealanders living with asthma or allergies, many had experienced a range of emotions which in some cases had been heightened by the current pandemic, the study found. One in 10 of those living with asthma or allergies feel embarrassed about their health condition while others said they feel depressed (9%), disadvantaged (9%), or sad (8%).

Source: Otago Daily Times January 26, 2021 15:33 UTC