Key Advice

Misinformation Alert: ‘Rescue packs’ for patients with asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

We has been made aware of some inaccurate information circulating social media regarding “rescue packs” to be provided to people with asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. This scheme is not available in Australia and people living with asthma or COPD unfortunately cannot receive a pack from a pharmacy, GP or hospital at this point. If your symptoms worsen, follow your written asthma or COPD action plan. If you do not have one, or your plan is not up-to date, please consult your doctor as soon as possible.

If you or a loved one have asthma or COPD, please remember:

• If you need more daily or ‘flare-up’ medicines please contact your treating doctor rather than visiting a hospital for medication
• Check the dates of your scripts to ensure they are current
• If you’re symptoms worsen please follow the advice on your asthma or COPD action plan. If you do not have one, or your plan is not up-to date, consult please your treating doctor
• You can book a telephone appointment with your GP through newly introduced Telehealth program
• Please only go to hospital in a medical emergency.

Connecting with your treating healthcare team

Take the time to speak to your treating healthcare team about reasonable precautions you can take to minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19, as they are best-placed to provide advice specific to your condition. To enable you to effectively manage your overall health and to minimise your risk of exposure, the Department of Health has announced bulk-billed telephone consultation services which can be provided by your GP. This is available for people who are considered vulnerable to risk of serious infection. 

This service is available for people who are: 

• At least 70 years old 
• At least 50 years old and of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent 
• Pregnant women 
• A parent of a child under 12 months 
• Already under treatment for chronic health conditions or are immune compromised 
• A person diagnosed with COVID-19 virus but who is not a patient of a hospital 
• A person required to isolate themselves in quarantine in accordance with home isolation guidance issued by Australian Health Protection Principal Committee. 

For more information about the service, please contact your GP. 

Tips from a person living with a lung condition

The following tips have been provided by Michelle, Chair of the Bronchiectasis Consumer Committee. 

With COVID-19 known to have a greater affect/impact on the immune compromised and respiratory comprised community, I have taken the advice only of medical sources rather than media hype.

This includes:

• Having greater awareness and being diligent with washing hands more often, particularly when visiting public areas (not only for eating and bathroom use). This might include encouraging your family members do the same, particularly when they’re out and about, so they’re not bringing home potential infections
• Using bacteria grade hand sanitisers
• Limiting unnecessary visits to large public areas, eg: movies, travel for work or social gatherings. It’s best just to keep it for a later date
• Limiting contact with people who are unwell to avoid putting yourself at risk. Don’t be afraid to postpone events or ask people to keep their distance. I’m lucky that my community are always very mindful
• Keeping up medications and having an Action Plan in place
• Drinking lots of water, eating a healthy diet and not being afraid to rest when you need to
• Mostly not panicking, stressing and overthinking as these can also weaken your immunity and increase breathing stress and strains in the body.

Residential Aged Care Facilities 

If you live in an aged care facility additional measures, such as restrictions on entry and visitors and an increase in hygiene practices, are likely to already be in place. If you do have a visitor, the following is recommended:  

• Anyone who is unwell, who has returned from overseas in the last 14 days or who has been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, should not visit at this time 
• Visitors are limited to two a day – these may be immediate social supports (family members, friends) or professional services 
• Visits are limited to a short duration 
• Visits should be conducted in a resident’s room or outdoors, rather than communal areas where the risk of transmission to residents is greater 
• Children should avoid visiting at this time   
• Visitors should also be encouraged to practice social distancing practices where possible, including maintaining a distance of 1.5 metres  
• Large gatherings, including social activities or entertainment, should also be avoided at this time.