Health Centre News 

There is an increased risk of seasonal asthma, hay fever and epidemic thunderstorm asthma during seasons with increased grass pollen levels. In Victoria, this is typically between October and December.

Epidemic thunderstorm asthma is triggered by a combination of higher grass pollen levels and a certain type of thunderstorm.

People with a history of asthma, undiagnosed asthma or hay fever are at risk under these conditions. This risk is increased further for people who have poorly treated hay fever and asthma.

The best way to reduce and prevent symptoms of asthma or hay fever and reduce absences from school is to follow an up-to-date asthma action plan or hay fever treatment plan, provided by a GP or specialist. Please provide your childs updated asthma or 

hay fever plan to the school nurse so we can support your child effectively and promptly if symptoms develop.

Many of our staff are trained in asthma first aid, and we will monitor the VicEmergency app to receive thunderstorm warnings, and, where appropriate, keep students indoors when weather forecasts identify greater risk. 

During the season, there are some things you can do to prepare and protect yourself and your family:

• If your child has ever had asthma, talk to your doctor about what you can do to help protect them from the risk of thunderstorm asthma this pollen season, including updating your asthma action plan. Taking an asthma preventer properly and regularly is key to preventing asthma, including thunderstorm asthma. 
• If your child has hay fever, see your pharmacist or doctor for a hay fever treatment plan and check if you should have an asthma reliever puffer. These are available from a pharmacy without a prescription.
• If your child has hay fever and experiences wheezing and coughing, it is important to make sure they don’t also have asthma. Speak to your doctor about an asthma action plan.   
• Where possible, avoid being outside during thunderstorms from October to December, especially during the wind gusts that come before the storm. Go inside and close your doors and windows. If you have your air conditioning on, turn it to ‘recirculate’.

Protect yourself this pollen season – managing asthma and allergies matters.

Find out more 

For more information, speak to your doctor. You can also visit the Better Health Channel website.

If there are any changes to your child's health needs, please come to see me so we can make sure we have everything in place to help support them as needed. Thank you.

Warm regards,

Nurse Cecile