Exclusive: Governments must protect people for weeks after event, researchers say, citing reduced access to health services and increased exposure to pathogens
Seymour in Victoria was hit by flooding in 2022. New research shows even after waters recede there is an increased risk of cardiovascular deaths for 50 days and respiratory deaths for 60 days.Seymour in Victoria was hit by flooding in 2022. New research shows even after waters recede there is an increased risk of cardiovascular deaths for 50 days and respiratory deaths for 60 days.
Prof Yuming Guo from Monash University, who co-led the study, said the risk of communicable diseases, such as gastrointestinal conditions, had been examined previously but “we wanted to explore the impact on cardiovascular disease and respiratory disease and how long this impact can last”. Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup
“In Australia, the impact on respiratory health was much higher than on cardiovascular disease, and in general we were in the middle of all of the countries examined” when it came to the number of deaths, said Guo, from the university’s school of public health and preventive medicine.The study did not look at the exact cause of the deaths but Guo said reduced access to health services and exposure to contaminants likely played a role.
On top of the factors mentioned by Guo, Hanna said interrupted access to medications, along with stress and grief, could exacerbate existing health conditions.Our Australian afternoon update breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what’s happening and why it matters“The psycho-physiological pathways are poorly understood, but evidentially real,” Hanna said.
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