Asthmatic Precautions in Australia

indigo girl · Jun 16, 2009

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25643335-5006785,00.html

With a novel virus going around, each country must try to learn from what has already happened elsewhere for best outcomes in their own populations.

Australia is now going through their flu season. We will be learning much from them before our own influenza season starts this fall. Many of us with mild asthma might end up surprised at how our situations may change rapidly for the worse if we become ill with this flu. This article is noteworthy in reminding us to plan ahead.

ALMOST 5000 Victorians are now estimated to have been infected with swine flu as the virus claimed its first life outside the Americas.
The State Government yesterday upgraded the number of confirmed cases to 1210, but acting chief health officer Dr Rosemary Lester conceded the real number of Victorian cases was three to four times higher.
The size of Victoria's outbreak is now so great that only those most at risk - the elderly, pregnant women and those with other underlying medical conditions - are being tested, resulting in 199 new cases last week.
"At the moment cases confirmed in the laboratory signify only a small fraction of the cases," Dr Lester said.
"It could be three or four times the laboratory confirmed number, but it's very hard to estimate, given the mild nature of the virus. It is not anywhere near the one in three some have suggested.
"We don't know how many cases are out there in the community because many cases are mild and don't even require presenting to a GP."
Australia's two million asthmatics have been warned to be extra wary of swine flu after a US study revealed they are more likely to be admitted to hospital if infected.
More than 40 per cent of those admitted after catching swine flu in New York also have asthma, prompting the National Asthma Council of Australia to urge asthmatics to get a lung function test from their GP.
"We appreciate in these tough economic times that some people will be trying to contain their healthcare costs," NAC chairman Dr Noela Whitby said.
"But in the midst of this particularly difficult flu season, it's really important people with asthma consult their doctor now to ensure their lung health is being effectively managed during winter.