A new study by Israeli researchers found that people with asthma could be as much as 30% less likely to contract the coronavirus. They published their research in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology last week, concluding that they observed lower incidence of COVID-19 in their study subjects who had pre-existing asthma.

According to The Hill, one of the study authors, Eugene Merzon M.D., said that there are three reasons why people with asthma could have a reduced risk of contracting COVID-19. One is that individuals with respiratory allergies have significantly fewer ACE2 enzyme receptors in the lungs, the usual entry point for the virus. A second possibility is that people who have asthma may be taking better precautionary measures such as wearing masks and social distancing. The third potential reason is that the inhaled corticosteroids asthma suffers use may reduce the replication of the virus.

According to The Jerusalem Post, Merzon, head of the Department of Managed Care in Leumit Health Services, said:

“The recommendation is that these patients make sure they continue taking their medication during the pandemic.” Previous reports from China and Italy confirmed that few patients with asthma contacted COVID-19. Similar results were found in patients in New York and the United Kingdom, according to the Post.