Coronavirus update
We want to provide our families and patients with accurate information and advice on the continuing situation around Coronavirus, so they can stay up to date and informed.
Talking to your child about Coronavirus? Download our
What is Coronavirus? (5MB) storybook here.
Physiotherapy
It is important during the Coronavirus pandemic that you continue with your physiotherapy routines.
Find below a summary of some frequently asked questions:
Is there anything I should be doing differently?
Nebulisers
Where possible nebulisers should be used in a well-ventilated room or outside. It is recommended that your child does not perform their nebulisation therapy (e.g. Hypertonic Saline or Pulmozyme®) in an enclosed space or near their siblings (for example, in the car). It is a good idea to wash hands before and after handling your nebulizer and device equipment.
Coughing
Encourage your child to cough into a tissue and immediately throw it in the bin. If your child is old enough, huffing and coughing should not occur within two metres of others.
How often?
If you are only doing physio once a day, consider increasing it to twice a day (you may have more time now!).
Should I clean my devices more often?
Normally we suggest that devices be washed after each use and sterilised once a week.
During the pandemic it may be worth sterilising your device more often. To do this, boil the separated parts for 10 minutes.
Do not use a cleaning solution like Milton.
Now that we're using Telehealth, what if I have problems with our physiotherapy device?
Make sure that you have your child’s device ready next to your computer when you come to a Telehealth appointment. We will try to resolve the issue as part of your clinic review.
If you need to be introduced to a new device in coming months, this may need to be face to face.
If you have lost a part or need a replacement device, please email a photo of your device to PCHHITHPhysio@health.wa.gov.au so that it is easier for us to correctly identify what is required. We do not routinely provide replacement parts for lost devices, but we can give you the ordering details so that you can replace it.
I heard Hospital in the Home (HiTH) was changing?
That is correct. Wherever possible, we will be conducting ‘virtual’ daily home visits through Telehealth when on HiTH. We will direct you through this process if it is required.
Where can I find tips on how to reduce screen time while in isolation?
This is difficult! We know that screen time should be carefully limited in children to prevent harm, but that home isolation makes this a challenge.
Please see the attached links for Australian guidelines around sedentary behaviour and screen time. We appreciate that you will do your best. Consider board games, reading in the sun, cooking lessons, charades.
Many people have a pedometer on their phone – perhaps try for 5,000 steps per day!
How can we exercise during this period of required social distancing?
For most of you the cancellation of organised sport has significantly impacted the amount your child exercises. It is recommended that children do moderate to high intensity exercise for 60 mins a day. If you have a small backyard this is difficult. Try to be creative with games and exercise plans.
For young children, use games of hide and seek with treasure hunts around the house and backyard. Aim for your child to run as fast as they can between A and B. Use the trampoline if you have one.
For older kids and adolescents why not try High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). This way you can get more exercise and maintain fitness in a shorter time period. An example is below.
HIIT Program
- Choose five different exercises
- Complete each exercise for 30 seconds, with a 30 second rest in-between
- Continue until all five exercises completed
- Repeat this three times.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Examples of exercises
- Star Jumps
- Jogging on the spot or around the backyard
- Lunges
- Squats
- Push ups
- Sit ups
- Skipping
- High knees
Youtube videos below show examples of high intensity interval training:
Other websites that show specific exercise ideas for people with CF include:
If you have a PEG or a Port you may wish to consult the following guidelines before trying a new activity:
What else should I consider?
Without realising it, your child gets lots of sunlight as they move around school. Sunlight is incredibly important for sleep patterns, mood, bone strength and general health. Aim for time spent outdoors daily.
Above all, remain positive! You have been practicing infection control and great routines for a long time. Many of you may find physio routines easier to fit into the day as the pace of life changes.
We look forward to seeing you in our Telehealth virtual ‘CF’ clinic in coming months but if you have any concerns, please contact your clinic physio or send an email to:
PCHHITHPhysio@health.wa.gov.au.