VICTORIA’S world-leading epidemic thunderstorm asthma forecasting system, with pollen traps in Dookie, was switched on Monday, marking the start of Victoria’s grass pollen season.
Victoria’s deputy chief health officer, Dr Angie Bone says with the forecasting system now live, Victorians can monitor the forecast and those at increased risk can take actions to protect themselves on high-risk days.
“The system also enables health professionals and emergency services to be prepared on days of increased risk,” Dr Bone said.
“The forecasts are available throughout Victoria’s grass pollen season, typically from October through December.”
Data from pollen traps across Victoria, like Dookie, is used to verify the forecasting system’s statistical model, which is used to produce epidemic thunderstorm asthma forecasts.
Dr Bone said following the forecast is just one way people can take action to protect themselves.
“The best way to protect yourself from thunderstorm asthma is through good management of asthma and hay fever,” Dr Bone said.
“We want everyone – especially people with asthma and hay fever – to be as prepared as they can all year round,” Dr Bone said.
Epidemic thunderstorm asthma forecasts are available on the VicEmergency app and at http://emergency.vic.gov.au/prepare/#thunderstorm-asthma-forecast More information about thunderstorm asthma is available on the Better Health Channel at www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/thunderstormasthma
Pollen observations and forecasts are available at www.melbournepollen.com.au and www.deakin.edu.au/apps/sebe/airwatch/ and via the Melbourne Pollen Count App.
