Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/nat...eater-risks-from-swine-flu-20090615-c7s6.html
Asthma sufferers face greater risks from swine flu
June 15, 2009 - 9:24AM
Australia's two million asthma sufferers face a higher risk of developing additional health complications if they contract swine flu, health experts say.
The National Asthma Council Australia (NAC) has urged people with the chronic respiratory condition to be "extra vigilant" this winter, following confirmation that 40 per cent of those hospitalised with the influenza A(H1N1) virus in New York have asthma.
It also follows news that a patient with underlying health conditions died from swine flu in Scotland on Sunday, the first person to die from the virus outside the Americas.
"People with asthma can be particularly susceptible to influenza as viral infections can lead to increased asthma symptoms," an NAC spokesman said.
"Older people and those with severe asthma who get the flu may be at risk of more serious complications like pneumonia."
NAC chairman Dr Noela Whitby urged asthma sufferers who have not seen their GP in the past six months to do so for a check-up.
"We appreciate in these tough economic times that some people will be trying to contain their healthcare costs.
"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," Dr Whitby said.
AAP
Asthma sufferers face greater risks from swine flu
June 15, 2009 - 9:24AM
Australia's two million asthma sufferers face a higher risk of developing additional health complications if they contract swine flu, health experts say.
The National Asthma Council Australia (NAC) has urged people with the chronic respiratory condition to be "extra vigilant" this winter, following confirmation that 40 per cent of those hospitalised with the influenza A(H1N1) virus in New York have asthma.
It also follows news that a patient with underlying health conditions died from swine flu in Scotland on Sunday, the first person to die from the virus outside the Americas.
"People with asthma can be particularly susceptible to influenza as viral infections can lead to increased asthma symptoms," an NAC spokesman said.
"Older people and those with severe asthma who get the flu may be at risk of more serious complications like pneumonia."
NAC chairman Dr Noela Whitby urged asthma sufferers who have not seen their GP in the past six months to do so for a check-up.
"We appreciate in these tough economic times that some people will be trying to contain their healthcare costs.
"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," Dr Whitby said.
AAP