Health Centre
Asthma Thunderstorm Warning!
As we enter the warmer weather, it is important to remember we are heading towards the potential for asthma thunderstorm events. Thunderstorm Asthma is a form of asthma that coincides with the peak grass pollen season and a certain type of thunderstorm. These events are more likely to occur from 1 October to 31 December.
Please remind all students who suffer from asthma to ensure they are carrying their reliever medication with them at all times during the school day!
Those at increased risk of Thunderstorm Asthma include:
- People with asthma
- People with a past history of asthma
- Those with undiagnosed asthma (i.e. people who have asthma symptoms but have not yet been diagnosed with asthma)
- People with seasonal hay fever (who may or may not have asthma).
It is difficult to predict a Thunderstorm Asthma event, there are a number of things you can do to be prepared:
- Have an up-to-date Asthma Action Plan and access to prescribed reliever medication. All Asthma Action Plans should be updated annually. Please see us in the Health Centre if you require a copy of a new Asthma Action Plan.
- Be aware of thunderstorm forecasts particularly on high or extreme pollen count days.
Never ignore asthma symptoms like breathlessness, wheezing and tightness in the chest. Start asthma first aid immediately and call 000 if symptoms do not improve or get worse.
Download the Vic Emergency app and set up a 'watch zone' for your location to receive advice and warnings about potential epidemic thunderstorm asthma events during the grass pollen season. To subscribe please visit www2.health.vic.gov.au/newsletters.
The department recently launched an Epidemic Thunderstorm Asthma campaign. You can access a range of information and resources at https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/campaigns/thunderstorm-asthma
Take care!
Melissa and Eva
Wantirna College Health Team
Ph: 9881 7125 health@wantirnacollege.vic.edu.au