A pandemic infectious disease was declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020. Named “Coronavirus disease 2019” (COVID-19), it has led to new and unexpected situations for both patients and health-care-providers (HCP). Allergists, pediatric allergists and other HCPs with their main focus on allergies and associated airways diseases have been particularly influenced to react to this new situation, aiming to maintain optimal care for patients with allergic diseases, while ensuring the safety of all persons involved in daily routine care. Ten months after the beginning of the pandemic, under daily restrictions, and still struggling to achieve optimal patients' care, specialists have been able to gather experience in adapting clinical practice to this new situation. EAACI has developed this survey to evaluate the impact of the current and recent restrictions on daily clinical care of allergic patients during the ongoing pandemic in the clinical routine. We are very thankful to you for sharing this critical information, which will be of utmost value for future recommendations and guidance. All data gathered in this survey are strictly anonymized. EAACI deeply appreciates your support.
On behalf of:
Montserrat Alvaro-Lozano, Chair, Allergen Immunotherapy Interest Group Enrico Heffler, Secretary, Allergen Immunotherapy Interest Group Adam Chaker, AIT IG Board Member Erika Jensen-Jarolim, AIT IG Board Member Cristina Quecchia, AIT IG Board Member Umit Murat Sahiner, AIT IG Board Member Vesna Tomic-Spiric, AIT IG Board Member Mattia Giovannini, AIT IG JM Representative Helen Brough, Chair of the Pediatric Section Board Ludger Klimek, Chair of the ENT Section Board Matteo Bonini, Chair of the Asthma Section Board Eva Untersmayr- Elsenhuber, Chair of the Immunology Section Board Gunter Sturm, Chair of the Insect Venom Hypersensitivity Working Group Oliver Pfaar, EAACI-ExCom member at large Central-Europe