Top Tips

Know: Arm yourself with trusted information and support

As the impact of COVID-19 is felt across the country, it’s more important than ever to stay well and to look after your lung health and general well-being.

Working closely with our network of health experts, we have collated the latest information and practical resources and tools to help you minimise your risk of infection from nasty bugs and viruses, and look after your health and wellbeing during this time.

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Social distancing

We encourage people living with a lung disease or lung cancer to stay at home during the COVID-19 pandemic unless it is really necessary to go out. If you can, ask someone to help pick up essential items for you and leave them at your front door. If you have to go out, practice social distancing (staying 1.5 metres apart from others) and good hand hygiene, and avoid touching your face.

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Vaccinate against flu and pneumonia

It is more important than ever to be vaccinated against influenza and, if indicated, pneumonia. While these vaccines won’t protect you from COVID-19, they will help to reduce the severity of flu and pneumonia which can cause complications with your current condition and lower your immune system, making you more susceptible to other illnesses. Make an appointment with your GP or pharmacist today. Please ensure you call ahead to ask what measures are in place to protect vulnerable community members from exposure to COVID-19.

Schedule telehealth appointments

It’s important you continue to access your usual healthcare. You can arrange appointments with your healthcare team, including your GP, via video calling software or telephone. These services are currently available to everyone and are designed to reduce your risk of exposure to COVID-19 by limiting the need to leave your home.

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Utilise delivery services

People at higher risk of serious infection can now order medication online for home delivery. The service is available from any approved pharmacy. Some large supermarket chains are also offering home delivery to support vulnerable people. For more information, contact your local supermarket and pharmacy.

Keep your body moving

While you may not be able to participate in your normal exercise routine or classes, it’s important to stay active and maintain your exercise habits while at home. Our Maintaining Movement series, led by Lung Foundation Australia’s Pulmonary Exercise Manager and Exercise Physiologist, Emma Gainer takes you step-by-step through exercises you can do at home.

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Look after your mental health

During this uncertain time, you may experience a range of emotions. We encourage you to use digital platforms to stay connected to your loved ones. Read tips and advice for looking after your wellbeing from Clinical Psychologist Debra Sandford.

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Maintain healthy habits

The food you eat gives you the nutrients and energy you need to breathe. Healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated – choosing nutritious and easy to prepare snacks and meals that only need a few ingredients can help to keep prep time short.

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Keep your home virus free

It's important to consider additional preventative cleaning measures to keep nasty bugs out of your home. You may also like to hang our free poster on your front door or window, which kindly asks people to stay away if they are unwell or to take additional precautions should they be invited in.

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Follow your action plan

If you have a condition, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or bronchiectasis, where you experience an exacerbation or flare-up, ensure you have a current written action plan. This will help you recognise when symptoms your worsen and how to take action to reduce the risk of a flare-up.

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Connect to care

During these times of uncertainty, it’s important to stay connected and informed. Lung Foundation Australia’s Information and Support Centre team are available to provide guidance and practical tips. We can connect you with resources and support services to help you during this time. You can reach our team during business hours via free call 1800 654 301.

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COVID-19 (coronavirus): What you need to know

Find out who is at risk, what are the symptoms, support services and resources.

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Lung Support Service (Texting for Wellness)

The Lung Support Service (Texting for Wellness) is a free text message support service providing practical advice, information and tips to assist you in the management of your COPD. With weekly text messages over 6 months and the ability to opt out at anytime, this service is designed to provide you with an additional level of information and support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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