Profile
Embargoed: Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Holly, 23
History of recurrent chest infections to contacting pneumonia, Melbourne
A nagging cough was nothing unusual for Holly, 23,
Melbourne, who had a history of bronchial infections, so she
wasn’t too concerned when she had to take a few days off
school in year 9.
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But when the cough didn’t go away, her temperature soared
and she could no longer keep food down, Holly’s parents
knew it could be serious and took her to hospital.
Twenty-four hours later she was diagnosed with pneumonia.
For six weeks, Holly’s life was put on hold while she
recovered from the potentially life-threatening lung infection.
This is her story.
As a bubbly and energetic 15 year old, Holly loved playing netball and socialising with her friends. Being
absent from school was simply not on her agenda.
If Holly caught a cold, it would often escalate into a chest infection, so her doctor would prescribe antibiotics
to clear the infection.
“I’m prone to colds and chest infections, so winter is a difficult time for me,” she said.
“My mother would give me different over-the-counter remedies to help manage my infections, which
usually helped me to feel better,” said Holly.
However, when Holly contracted pneumonia, the over-the-counter remedies were of no use. She developed
a relentless cough and couldn’t eat. Her parents rushed her to hospital where she was placed on an IV drip
and stayed for seven days. It took another six weeks for her to recover from the potentially life-threatening
lung infection.
“I was away from school for almost a month, and it took some time for me to ease back into the school
routine. My friends routinely dropped by my home with school assignments so that I could keep up with the
curriculum,” said Holly, who found the isolation very challenging.
“I couldn’t participate in any social events or sport because I was so tired,” Holly said.
“It had a big effect on my independence because I had to rely on others to help me out with everything.”
According to Holly, her mum, a registered nurse, always encouraged her family to take the usual precautions
to avoid infections, but vaccination was something they had not discussed.
“I don’t think many Australians realise just how serious pneumonia can be. They tend to liken the infection
to a bad cold, but don’t really comprehend its prevalence or severity.”
Today Holly is acutely aware of the difference between a ‘bad cold’ and pneumonia, and is taking every
precaution to avoid contracting the lung infection again.
“Now I talk to my doctor about ways to help reduce the risk of contracting infections, including through
vaccination, eating healthy foods and practicing good hygiene,” said Holly.
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For more information, or to coordinate an interview with Holly, please contact Kirsten Bruce or
Melissa Chlad from VIVA! Communications on 02 9968 3741 or 0401 717 566 / 0488 440 274.