Public health measures for preventing exacerbations of chronic lung disease

ABSTRACT

Introduction/Aim: Fewer exacerbations of chronic lung disease during the COVID-19 pandemic may be due to the introduction of measures to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission and the associated lower prevalence of other respiratory viruses. Our aim was to determine the acceptability of continuing with (COVID-19) infection control measures to lower future exacerbation risk. Methods: Adults with chronic lung disease in Australia were asked via an online survey to specify the infection control measures and policies that should continue, during the flu season or at all times, once most of the population have received the COVID-19 vaccine. Pre-specified thresholds general support for measure: ≥66% of respondents;absence of significant support ≤33%;meaningful difference between lung disease groups ≥10%. Results: 137 people (asthma = 29, bronchiectasis = 29, COPD = 58, ILD = 21) from all Australian states and territories participated. Mean (SD) MRC breathlessness score was 2.4(1.0) and 75% were Female. 94% and 85% reported COVID-19 (86% two doses) and flu vaccination respectively. The table summarizes all survey responses. Responses were generally consistent across lung disease groups, except those with bronchiectasis were more supportive of continuation of face coverings on public transport (66%) and people with asthma would continue to physically distance outdoors (69%). People with ILD did not support (30%) face coverings outdoors during flu season but were supportive (75%) of healthcare staff wearing masks. People with bronchiectasis (24%) did not support a policy of physically distancing outdoors for everyone at all times. Conclusion: Adults with chronic lung diseases in Australia are supportive of physically distancing indoors and hand hygiene as measures to reduce exacerbations. There was lack of support for widespread continuation of face coverings but policies for use on public transport during the flu season were acceptable. Avoidance of busy places and friends/ family who are unwell with colds/flu are strategies they will adopt when majority of the population are vaccinated for COVID-19. (Figure Presented).