Updated Statement of the Austrian Society of Pneumology as of 10 Jan 2022
The Austrian Society of Pneumology (ASP) has launched a first statement for SARS-CoV-2 infection in May 2020, at a time when in Austria 285 people had died from this disease and vaccinations were not available.
There were multiple studies on new medications, modalities of ventilatory support, and other measures to prevent severe COVID-19 and death. Many drugs or other therapy methods have repeatedly been recommended in social media although they have failed in scientific studies. There are few publications that comprehensively addressed the special issues with SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with chronic lung diseases. These were the reasons for this updated statement.
Pulmonologists care for many patients with an elevated risk of death in case of COVID-19 but also for patients that might be at an elevated risk of vaccination reactions or vaccination failure. In addition, lung function tests, bronchoscopy, respiratory physiotherapy and training therapy may pose both patients and health professionals at an increased risk of infection. The study groups of the ASP have provided statements concerning these risks and how to avoid risks for the patients.