School Health Nurse Update

Spring Allergies, Thunderstorm Asthma, and SunSmart Tips: Stay Healthy This Season

As spring arrives, students may face hay fever, allergies, and the risk of thunderstorm asthma. Along with these seasonal concerns, it’s important to stay SunSmart as the weather warms up. Here’s how you can protect yourself.

Thunderstorm Asthma:

Thunderstorm asthma happens when storm conditions break pollen into smaller particles, triggering severe asthma symptoms, even in those without prior asthma.

Who’s at Risk?

• Asthma Patients: Be extra cautious during spring storms.
• Hay Fever Sufferers: Especially those allergic to grass pollen.
• General Public: Even those without asthma can be affected.

How to Stay Safe:

• Monitor Weather: Keep an eye on weather and pollen reports.
  • VicEmergency app
  • Melbourne Pollen Count and Forecast websiteor Melbourne Pollen Count App. 
• Stay Indoors Before and During Storms: Keep windows and doors closed, especially when windy.
  • Thunderstorm asthma - Overview (youtube.com)
• Have an Asthma Plan: Keep your inhaler handy and know what to do in an emergency.
  • 4 steps of asthma first aid

SunSmart Tips:

As the sun becomes stronger, it’s crucial to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

When the UV is 3 or above, use all five forms of sun protection:

• Slip on Protective Clothing: Wear long sleeves and pants to cover your skin.
• Slop on Sunscreen: Use SPF 30+ and reapply every two hours.
• Slap on a Hat: A broad-brimmed hat provides shade for your face, neck, and ears.
• Seek Shade: Stay under cover during peak UV times, usually between 10 am and 4 pm.
• Slide on Sunglasses: Protect your eyes with UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Vitamin D and Sun Protection: Vitamin D levels change throughout the year. Your levels are highest in late summer and lowest at the end of winter.
  • Vitamin D & Bone Health | Vitamin D Deficiency (healthybonesaustralia.org.au)

Hay Fever Basics:

Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is caused by pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. Symptoms include sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, and itchy eyes.

Tips to Manage Hay Fever:

• Check Pollen Counts: High in the morning and on windy days.
  • Melbourne Pollen Count and Forecast websiteor Melbourne Pollen Count App. 
• Keep Windows Closed: Limit pollen indoors.
• Shower After Being Outdoors: Wash off pollen from your skin and hair.
• Use Medication: Antihistamines and nasal sprays can help; consult a doctor before use.

Water Safety Tips:

• Swim between the red and yellow flags: Stick to patrolled beaches and pools with lifeguards.
• Learn to Swim: Make sure everyone in the family knows how to swim.
• Never swim alone.
• Use Life Jackets: When boating or in deep water, wear a life jacket.
• Understand Rips: Rips are the number one hazard on Australian beaches. A rip is a strong narrow current of water that moves away from shore
  • Rip Currents | SLSA Beachsafe

By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the spring season while staying healthy and safe.