The thunderstorm asthma season is now under way, with Victorians being urged to stay inside when thunderstorms hit.
Thunderstorm asthma occurs when a specific kind of thunderstorm releases tiny particles of grass pollen that can rapidly trigger asthma symptoms, even in those who have never had asthma before.
Victoria’s grass pollen season usually runs from 1 October to 31 December, bringing an increase in asthma and hay fever – and the risk of thunderstorm asthma.
Those most at risk are people with current or past asthma, undiagnosed asthma or those who suffer from hay fever. The risk is higher for people who have both asthma and hay fever, especially if their asthma is poorly controlled.
Even if you don’t think you have asthma, don’t ignore symptoms like wheezing or shortness of breath – check with your GP.
You can protect yourself by:
- Downloading the VicEmergency app
- Monitoring the epidemic thunderstorm asthma risk forecast and adjusting your day as needed
- Staying inside during a thunderstorm, especially during the winds that precede it.
A thunderstorm asthma communications toolkit is available and translated information is available in more than 25 languages.