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Primary Care Respiratory Journal Primary Care Respiratory Group UK Dr Iain Small, PCRS-UK Executive Chair PCRS-UK Resource on COPD National Strategy PCRS-UK 2010 National Conference


Swine Flu Information for UK Healthcare Professionals
Special Considerations for People with Respiratory Disease
Vaccination
Swine Flu Resources - England
Swine Flu Resources - Scotland
Swine Flu Resources - Wales
Swine Flu Resources - Northern Ireland
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Specific considerations for people with respiratory disease

Patients with existing respiratory disease such as chronic lung disease and asthma have been identified as being particularly at risk of complications if they contract the H1N1 virus. For this reason, the advice from DH is that these groups should receive antiviral medication without delay, as soon as infection is suspected.
Ref: CMO ‘Dear colleague’ letter July 2, 2009 Gateway ref: 12167

At present there is no clear evidence that people with respiratory disease are at greater risk of complications from H1N1 than from standard seasonal flu. However, there is no doubt that H1N1 appears to be more easily transmitted within the population generally.

Other vulnerable groups include over 65s, and under 5 year olds, so older patients with COPD and children of 5 and under who have asthma may be particularly at risk of complications if they contract H1N1.

What health professionals can do for their patients with respiratory conditions. before they contract swine flu
Because people with respiratory conditions are particularly at risk, Primary Care Respiratory Society UK recommends, that health professionals take additional steps as appropriate to ensure, in line with existing guidelines:
  • Check that the respiratory condition of their patients is well controlled – whether this is asthma, COPD or other respiratory condition
  • The primary healthcare team may wish to review patients with asthma to ensure that their treatment is reviewed and optimised and includes a personalised action plan with advice about what to do should their asthma flare up (e.g. due to a viral respiratory infection such as H1N1).
  • People with asthma and COPD are advised to ensure they have their annual review soon, to make certain that their condition is well controlled.
For advice on vaccination see our webpage on vaccination - click here
Guidance from Royal College of Physicians (RCP) : Patients with respiratory disease
The RCP, in collaboration with the British Thoracic Society (BTS), has issued the following guidance regarding respiratory patients who are in the care of hospitals/ secondary care specialists - click here
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Page updated on 17 August 2009 20:22

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