General News
3 October, 2022
Asthmatics urged to monitor warning systems during thunderstorm asthma season
Community members with asthma are being urged to be prepared as the peak thunderstorm asthma season gets underway this month. According to the National Asthma Council Australia, October to December is the peak thunderstorm asthma season, and the L...
Community members with asthma are being urged to be prepared as the peak thunderstorm asthma season gets underway this month.
According to the National Asthma Council Australia, October to December is the peak thunderstorm asthma season, and the La Niña weather event now underway could put allergy sufferers at risk.
One in 10 Australians are affected by asthma, and council director and respiratory physician professor Peter Wark said people with hay fever and allergy to ryegrass pollen may be at risk of thunderstorm asthma — even if they have never had asthma symptoms before.
“Good asthma control is critical during thunderstorm asthma season, so keep taking your preventer medication as prescribed by your doctor,” he said.
“Now is the right time to talk to your health professional to get the best advice about steps to take to reduce your risk of exposure to thunderstorms as well as critical asthma first aid procedures to follow during grass pollen season.”
The State Government has launched its 2022 Asthma Risk Forecasting System, a thunderstorm asthma monitoring, prediction and alert system designed to help people at increased risk — such as those with asthma or hay fever — take action to avoid exposure to pollen fragments.
“This forecasting system will help ensure people at risk during grass pollen season are aware of high-risk days and can take the right actions to protect themselves and their loved ones,” Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said.
For more information on the forecasting system visit www.health.vic.gov.au/environmental-health/epidemic-thunderstorm-asthma-risk-forecast
You can also download the VicEmergency app to stay up-to-date.