UNSW - VIRL

The BREATHE study at the University of New South Wales, Australia

Help develop first-time clinical valuable evidence in the world on using masks and respirators to prevent worsening of asthma, COPD, and other chronic lung diseases caused by bushfire smoke.

Join our research on chronic lung disease and masks

To receive further information, please register your interest here https://kirby.unsw.edu.au/breathe

Do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions +61 2 93850082 or +61 2 9385 0964

Bushfire smoke, asthma, lung disease and masks Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

Help us find out if masks help to prevent breathing difficulties during the backburning and bushfire period.

The University of New South Wales is conducting a randomized trial to determine the impact of surgical masks and P2/N95 respirators during bushfire period on unfavourable effects among adults with lung disease. This research will provide the first clinical valuable data in the world on using mask and respirator to prevent worsening of asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis caused by smoke. It will be key to informing appropriate use of such devices for Australians affected by increased frequency of exposure to bushfires and hazardous smoke.

We are currently recruiting Australian adults with asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis to participate in the research and believe it may be of interest to the people in bushfire affected areas.

Please register your interest here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/C96DXJN to receive further information about the study.

If you have any questions or concerns or would like more information about our study, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Coronavirus pandemic 'likely' if China, worldwide infections increase, experts say
With the numbers of cases of novel coronavirus continuing to grow across the world, experts believe the chance of a pandemic being declared is a growing possibility — but not all agree.

Some say a coronavirus pandemic is 'imminent' but not everyone agrees With the numbers of cases of novel coronavirus continuing to grow across the world, some experts believe the chances of a pandemic being declared is a growing possibility — but not all agree.

Surgical masks being distributed to GPs as part of the nation’s ¬coronavirus response are ineffective in preventing transmission of the ¬disease. Raina MacIntyre, head of the Biosecurity Research Program at the University of NSW’s Kirby Institute and an expert on disease epidemiology, said only respirator masks such as P2 or N95 masks were effective in preventing the spread of such illnesses.

Doctors at risk handed wrong masks Surgical masks being distributed to GPs as part of the nations coronavirus response are ineffective in preventing transmission of the disease, according to a world-leading expert.

WHO May Be Forced Into Action With Virus Spread, Expert Says

Evidence that the disease can be transmitted before a person shows any signs of illness could make a difference as WHO’s emergency committee meets later Thursday to determine whether or not the outbreak constitutes a so-called public health event of international concern, said Raina MacIntyre, a professor of global biosecurity at the University of New South Wales in Sydney.

WHO May Be Forced Into Action With Virus Spread, Expert Says Developments over the past week may push the World Health Organization to issue a global alert over the coronavirus, after the agency last week stopped short of calling it a health emergency, according to a public health specialist.

WHO raises novel coronavirus global threat level to 'high'

WHO says current situation doesn't warrant coronavirus being declared an international public health emergency as it's yet to spread widely outside China.

WHO raises novel coronavirus global threat level to 'high' WHO says current situation doesn't warrant coronavirus being declared an international public health emergency as it's yet to spread widely outside China.

Face Masks: What Doctors Say About Their Role In Containing Coronavirus

Surgical masks are just a physical barrier that will protect you against "a visible splash or spray of fluid or large droplets," explains Raina MacIntyre, an infectious disease researcher and professor of global biosecurity at the University of New South Wales in Sydney who has studied the efficacy of face masks.

Face Masks: What Doctors Say About Their Role In Containing Coronavirus Can a mask really keep you from catching the virus? To answer that, it helps to clarify which kinds of masks we're talking about.

.Watch BBC Interview with UNSW Prof Raina Macintyre on in Wuhan.

BBC Interview on 2019nCoV in Wuhan, Raina MacIntyre, Jan 21 2020

The guardian interview with Professor Raina Macintyre, The biggest risk to controlling the virus, MacIntyre said, was a failure to appropriately triage.
“We really want to focus on the healthcare system and make sure that detection is improved. You don’t want somebody sitting in the emergency department for three hours with a cough or fever and not being properly triaged.”

What is the threat to Australia from the Wuhan coronavirus? Health authorities say Australia is ready to respond and isolate any travellers suspected of carrying the virus

Joe O'Brien speaks to Raina Macintrye, a professor of global biosecurity at the University of New South Wales. On coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan China.

New SARS-like virus spreads in China There were fears earlier today a new SARS-like virus had arrived here when a Brisbane man who'd visited China became ill. Tonight he's no longer in isolation and health officials are awaiting the outcome of further medical tests.