From Our Sick Bay 

THUNDERSTORM ASTHMA SEASON 

There is an increased risk of seasonal asthma, hay fever and thunderstorm asthma in Victoria from October to December.

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

Under these conditions, people are at higher risk of a sudden and serious asthma attack if:

• they have a history of asthma
• their asthma or hay fever is poorly treated.

Thunderstorm asthma can occur even in people who have never had asthma before. You should apply asthma first aid and get emergency help to someone who has any of these symptoms:

• wheezing
• shortness of breath
• chest tightness.

Following an up-to-date asthma action plan or hay fever treatment plan, provided by a GP or specialist, can lesson symptoms of asthma or hay fever and reduce absences from school.

Amanda Allan 

First Aid Officer / Library Tech