DGAKI statement on asthma and COVID-19

DGAKI statement on asthma and COVID-19

AIT and COVID-19
March 18, 2020
Dear colleagues,

In the past few days, we have received more and more inquiries regarding the administration of allergen immunotherapy (AIT, also hyposensitization or specific immunotherapy) in times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
If possible, AIT treatments should continue. We would like to make the following recommendations:

When carrying out AIT, the product information for the AIT products must be observed and followed.
AIT in the form of subcutaneous injections (SCIT) or in the form of (sublingual) drops or tablets (SLIT) can be continued in symptom-free and healthy patients and the therapy regimen should not be interrupted.

If signs of infection such as fever, unclear cough or reduced general condition occur, AIT should be stopped and continued at a later (symptom-free) time-point . If SCIT is interrupted, the dose has to be adjusted by the treating doctor and according to the recommendations of the manufacturer. The resumption of SLIT should be carried out under medical supervision.

Prof. Dr. med. O. Pfaar, board member of DGAKI
Prof. Dr. me. Margitta Worm, President of the DGAKI