Respiratory health
Sick leave soars amid flu, COVID and cold collision
The storm of flu, pneumonia, colds and other germs circulating this winter drove a massive surge in the number of Australians taking sick leave.
- by Kate Aubusson
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Editorial
Coronavirus pandemic
Willingness to review and learn necessary for post-COVID response
It was, as was often said, “unprecedented times”, and Australians placed their faith in the public health response.
- The Herald's View
‘It’s quite unusual’: The five infections making Queenslanders so sick
The preferred antibiotic to treat ‘walking pneumonia’ in children is in short supply, as a wave of respiratory illnesses spreads across Queensland.
- by Marissa Calligeros
Exclusive
Smoking & vaping
‘Russian roulette’: Teens suffer seizures, vomiting after using Snapchat vapes
Six young people have presented to emergency departments with seizures, loss of consciousness and vomiting within days of each other.
- by Mary Ward
The drug that saved Jess Ragusa’s life, and gave her a baby
Cooper Ragusa is part of what has been called the “Trikafta baby boom” since the groundbreaking cystic fibrosis drug was first subsidised for Australians a year ago.
- by Angus Thomson
‘An absolute game-changer’: Children under 12 to receive life-saving drug
Access to medication to treat cystic fibrosis through the PBS will change the life of five-year-old Harry Killoran.
- by Angus Thomson
Respiratory virus sends more children to hospital than flu or COVID
The virus can cause people to have trouble breathing or suffer dehydration, potentially lead to pneumonia, and is most severe in babies.
- by Timna Jacks
After Aishwarya, Perth Children’s Hospital was meant to be on the mend. But Sunny’s story shows there is still a lot to be done.
A Perth mother has revealed how a nurse pointed to a poster advertising Aishwarya’s CARE call service, and told her she should “exhaust all other options” before using it. Then when she finally did call, she was told she’d come through to the “after hours” line.
- by Hamish Hastie
Do I need an N95 mask and if so, can I reuse it?
Experts disagree with the practice. But if you’re going to do it, it’s only advisable under certain conditions.
- by Samantha Selinger-Morris
Health concerns over silica dust from proposed Mornington Peninsula quarry
More than 120 doctors and health workers are calling on a prominent philanthropic charity to halt its plans for a large quarry in bushland on the Mornington Peninsula, citing concerns over the health effects of silica dust on nearby primary school students and communities.
- by Miki Perkins
Urgent recall for thousands of sleep apnoea and respirator devices
Philips has issued an international recall for breathing devices which have been found to have a defect, potentially affecting tens of thousands of Australians.
- by Stuart Layt
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/topic/respiratory-health-1n6d