First Aid Centre Update
Wantirna College
Thunderstorm Asthma Warning
There is an increased risk of seasonal asthma, hay fever and thunderstorm asthma during certain times of the year with increased pollen levels. In Victoria, this is typically between October and December.
Thunderstorm asthma is thought to be triggered by high grass pollen levels in the air and/or a certain type of asthma. Students with a history of asthma, undiagnosed asthma or hay fever are at increased risk of suffering increased breathing difficulties. This risk is further increased for those who have poorly treated hay fever and asthma.
Melbourne experienced the worlds largest epidemic thunderstorm asthma event on 21 November 2016, with thousands of people developing breathing difficulties in a brief period, many of whom required urgent medical attention.
It is difficult to predict a thunderstorm asthma event. However, there are a few things students can do to be prepared:
- Students who have asthma or hay fever should talk to their doctor about what they can do to help protect them from the risk of thunderstorm asthma this pollen season. They should also have an up-to-date asthma/hay fever action plan completed by their doctor.
- Please ensure a copy of this plan is provided to the First Aid Centre.
- Students should have ready access to prescribed asthma reliever medication. These students should be always carrying with them their reliever medication, e.g. Ventolin, during the school day.
- Students with a history of hay fever should take anti histamines if experiencing symptoms prior to attending school. Students may also choose to store anti histamines in the First Aid Centre. Please contact the First Aid Centre if you would like to store anti histamines at school.
Lastly, don’t forget to download the Vic Emergency app and create a ‘watch zone’ to receive epidemic thunderstorm asthma advice and warnings.
Remember your Sun Smarts!
Headaches are a common complaint of many students that attend the First Aid Centre. Frequently, dehydration is the cause. We remind all students to bring their own water bottle to school, to ensure they remain hydrated. This is particularly important on warmer days!
It is also necessary to apply sunscreen prior to heading outside on high UV days. We recommend students leave sunscreen in their bag or locker, to ensure they can re-apply during the school day.
When the UV index is 3 or above, students and staff are encouraged to use sun protection. In Victoria this typically occurs from mid-August to the end of April. The SunSmart Global UV app can by downloaded for free and will determine when UV levels are forecast to reach 3.
Additionally, school hats are available for purchase from the Uniform Shop for extra sun protection.
Farewell Year 12 Students
If any Year 12 students have allergy packs or medications stored in the First Aid Centre, please remember to collect them before Friday 20 December. We wish all the current Year 12 students all the best for their upcoming exams and future!
We hope everyone has had a great start to Term 4!
Melissa and Eva
Wantirna College Health Team
Ph: 9881 7125 health@wantirnacollege.vic.edu.au