A world-class thunderstorm asthma monitoring, prediction and alert system is being launched by the state government in an effort to ensure Victorians, such as those in Hume and Whittlesea, are notified of high-risk events this pollen season.
Health minister Mary-Anne Thomas announced on September 29 that the Epidemic Thunderstorm Asthma Risk Forecasting System will recommence on October 1, giving people at an increased risk the ability to take action and avoid exposure to the pollen fragments that can trigger asthma.
“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,” Ms Thomas said.
”I encourage all Victorians who may have asthma or seasonal hay fever to download the VicEmergency app and set up a watch zone, so they are alerted on a high-risk day.
”People with asthma should take their asthma medication regularly as directed and see their GP if they have ongoing symptoms, update their asthma plan yearly, and learn asthma first aid.”
Grass pollen season, which typically runs from the start of October until the end of December, brings with it a seasonal increase in asthma and hay fever and the chance of thunderstorm asthma.
When large numbers of people develop asthma symptoms over a short period of time, caused by high amounts of grass pollen and a certain type of thunderstorm, it is known as epidemic thunderstorm asthma.
The forecasting system, which will operate until December 31, forecasts three days in advance and provides a low (green), moderate (orange) or high (red) risk forecast across the nine Victorian weather districts.
Details: betterhealth.vic.gov.au/thunderstorm-asthma
