ASTHMATICS and even those who haven’t experienced severe symptoms before are warned to be on alert for the onset of thunderstorm asthma due to high pollen count and weather changes.
The combination of forecast high grass pollen levels and severe storms with strong winds means that there is a chance that a large number of people may develop asthma symptoms over a short period of time.
Our hospitals are experiencing significant demand due to COVID-19, so it’s important you stay well.
You can protect yourself and those in your care by following these simple steps:
Monitor the epidemic thunderstorm asthma risk forecast on the VicEmergency app
Avoid being outdoors in a storm, especially the winds that precede them
Take your preventative medication as directed, even when you’re symptom free
Carry your reliever and know how to manage an asthma attack. Follow your asthma action plan or use asthma first aid.
Call Nurse on Call on 1300 60 60 24 or see your local doctor if you require medical advice. Call triple zero (000) immediately if someone is not breathing, if their asthma suddenly becomes worse or is not improving, or if the person is having an asthma attack and a reliever puffer is not available.
Epidemic thunderstorm asthma risk forecasts are available to 31 December on the VicEmergency app and website at: http://emergency.vic.gov.au/prepare/#thunderstorm-asthma-forecast. For up-to-date information, visit the VicEmergency website or download the VicEmergency App.
