@lucylocket61 . I am sorry, I haven’t kept up with this thread, so apologies everyone if this appears to be derailing. Although I have tagged lucylocket61, it is relevant to others who may be vulnerable due to having asthma.
For anyone with a chronic condition, they ought to be provided with a personal action plan. (Yes, I know how difficult that can be, as 15 years of T2 and I am still trying to get a diabetes action plan in place).This is particularly important currently for asthma and other lung conditions.
My own asthma plan was drawn up in consultation with an asthma nurse specialist. I had to nag GP to get it, and it took a few goes at it, but it is an entitlement.
It outlines optimum peak flow breath rate, use and dosage of preventer inhaler, how, and when to use reliever inhaler. Following the plan should keep my breathing fine, but in event of getting worse, such as with a virus or infection, it outlines steps I need to take, and when and how I should seek help. The plan is reviewed annually.
I am not unduly alarmed by the current threat from Covid 19, but do have a plan to follow if I should get symptoms. I am also avoiding crowds and public transport, but I do that anyway throughout the winter months.
Not wishing to alarm, but an asthma attack can escalate very quickly into an emergency, and a helpline might not have someone available 24 hours a day. It would be wise to get an action plan in place before it is needed, so that you know how to manage an asthma attack, before you actually need to.