COPD and asthma sufferers can get 5 day rescue pack amid coronavirus? Fact Check

A claim on social media states that those in the UK with asthma or COPD can contact their GP in order to get a “rescue pack” amid the coronavirus pandemic.

MIXTURE

What’s true?
“Rescue packs” for those with conditions like COPD do exist.
In some areas in the UK, rescue packs have been sent out to people deemed especially vulnerable to the coronavirus and COVID-19 disease.

What’s false?
There is no nationwide scheme where people with asthma or COPD can contact their GP to obtain such a pack. Many NHS practices have specifically dismissed this claim. While COPD rescue packs exist, they are something that are usually given to patients as per existing arrangements between a patient and their GP, and have been around for a number of years (they are not “new” or exclusive to the coronavirus.)

An example of the claim is below.

Those of you with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as COPD or asthma can contact your GP for a ‘Rescue Pack’. It gives you a 5 day supply of a corticosteroid (prednisolone) and a 5 day supply of an antibiotic (usually amoxicillin or doxycycline) which can be started immediately if you develop any breathing issues.
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COPD “rescue packs” have been around for a number of years and are given by many NHS practices to some patients who self-manage their condition and have typically already consulted with their doctor. Such packs can help patients deal with flare ups of their condition and are usually designed to last a number of days.

It is also true that some people deemed vulnerable (over 80s and those with respiratory problems) have been sent “rescue packs” in some areas of the UK, such as Jersey.

However, despite claims on social media, there is no nationwide scheme or service that allows anyone with COPD or other respiratory conditions to contact their GP and automatically obtain such a rescue pack.

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In fact, this claim has been specifically dismissed by a number of NHS practises in the UK (here and here, for example.) Such NHS practises recommend patients manage their condition in their usual way and to contact 111 if they suspect they may have contracted COVID-19.

We have been made aware of some inaccurate information circulating regarding special ‘rescue packs’ for patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Please do not contact your GP practice 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 https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19 before doing anything else.

As such, the claim that any COPD or asthma sufferer can obtain such a pack by calling their GP is inaccurate.