COVID-19 Alfred Health advice for lung transplant recipients
13-Mar-2020
Information is updated regularly and the Lung Transplant Service is in communications with Alfred Health and Infectious Disease Experts to keep you up-to-date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What precautions should I take for my personal protection?
Personal hygiene measures are the most important. Good handwashing technique using soap and water is essential. Avoid touching your face and eyes with UNWASHED hands, and don’t sneeze into your hands or the air.
The use of masks in the community is not required. Masks will be provided in the hospital if clinically necessary.
Who should I contact if I have symptoms?
If you are unwell AND have come into contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, please do not attend your outpatient appointment. Between the hours of 8.30am-4.30pm Mon-Fri, call the Lung Transplant mobile (0417 046 210) to discuss your symptoms and treatment plan. After 4.30pm or on weekends contact The Alfred switchboard on 03 9076 2000. Depending on the severity of your illness, you may be directed to the Alfred COVID-19 outpatient testing station (8am-6pm, 7 days per week), or the Alfred emergency department or a respiratory department staff member.
Should I come to my outpatient clinic appointment?
We are currently reviewing the schedule for routine clinic visits for all Lung Transplant patients to minimise visits to The Alfred. We may reschedule some lung transplant patients to a later date, or use telehealth for routine clinic reviews. You will be contacted by one of the lung transplant team if your clinic appointment is going to be delayed or changed to telehealth. This also may require a change to the timing of blood tests and extra pharmacy scripts.
Should I have the flu vaccinations?
We recommends flu vaccination for everyone when it becomes available in April. However, this vaccination will not protect you against COVID-19.
Should I have a contingency plan?
Have a contingency plan in case of widespread disruptions or illness, where possible, ensure you have adequate supply of your usual medications.
Should I travel overseas?
We recommend avoiding all travel. You can keep updated via the Australian Smart Traveller website.
What do I do if I need a medical letter for work/travel etc.?
If you require an individualised letter or document/s, we recommend that you book an appointment with your GP to discuss your request.
Lung Transplant Service, Respiratory Medicine, Level 2, East Block
55 Commercial Road, Melbourne VIC 3004, M: 0417 046 210, F: 03 9076 8225, E: L.Transplant@alfred.org.au
We recommend that you seek information only from credible websites such as:
Alfred Health
Victorian Department of Health and Human Services
Australian Government
Australian Smart Traveller
