Thunderstorm Asthma
Breathe Easy: Get Ready for Thunderstorm Asthma Season
With thunderstorm season beginning on October 1st, the Goulburn Valley Public Health Unit (GVPHU) is reminding those with asthma or hay fever to take preventive steps now. Thunderstorm asthma is a rare but serious event that can occur when pollen grains break into tiny particles during storms, triggering severe asthma attacks.
Who is at risk?
You are more at risk of thunderstorm asthma if you:
- Suffer from seasonal hay fever
- Currently have asthma
- Have a history of asthma
- Are undiagnosed but experience respiratory symptoms
What you can do
To reduce your risk, the GV Public Health Unit advises:
- Use your preventer inhaler if prescribed and as directed.
- Manage hay fever symptoms to help prevent asthma attacks.
- Stay indoors on high pollen days and monitor pollen levels via the Vic
- Emergency app or website.
- Ensure your asthma action plan is up to date and you have enough medication.
To learn more, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/thunderstorm-asthma
- ADDRESS
Goulburn Valley Public Health Unit
219-225 Wyndham Street
Shepparton, 3630
- CONTACT
Emergency: 000
Public Health Unit Hotline: 1800 313 070
Nurse on call: 1300 60 60 24
for non life threatening injury/illness
- RELEVANT RESOURCES