Protect yourself from thunderstorm asthma

Sep 23, 2024

The Goulburn Valley Public Health Unit is helping locals prepare for storm season. Photo by Rodney Braithwaite

With thunderstorm season about to begin, hay fever and asthma sufferers should stay on alert.

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The Goulburn Valley Public Health Unit clinical director Will Cross is warning those who know they will be affected by thunderstorm asthma to prepare for the season to begin on October 1.

“If you have asthma or experience seasonal asthma, it’s important to have an up-to-date asthma action plan and manage your symptoms with advice from your general practitioner,” he said.

“An asthma action plan is a simple guide created with your doctor to help you manage your asthma medication with you at all times during this high-risk season.”

Thunderstorm asthma, a rare weather-related phenomenon, typically strikes during spring but can continue into December when grass pollen is abundant. It can spark severe asthma flare-ups, especially in those already suffering from asthma or hay fever.

Those at risk include people who experience seasonal hay fever, currently have asthma, have a history of asthma and those with undiagnosed asthma.

GVPHU recommends the following steps to best prepare yourself.

Use your preventer medication if prescribed one
Manage your hay fever with your GP or pharmacist
Monitor pollen levels through the Vic Emergency app and stay inside on high pollen days
Keep you and your loved ones safe by keeping asthma action plans up to date

For more details on thunderstorm asthma, visit www.gvhealth.org.au/public-health-unit or www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/thunderstormasthma