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Thunderstorm asthma preparednessEvery year during grass pollen season there is an increase in asthma and hay fever symptoms, and during grass pollen season there is also the chance of a thunderstorm asthma event.

What causes thunderstorm asthma events?Thunderstorm asthma events are thought to be triggered by an uncommon combination of high grass pollen levels and a certain type of thunderstorm, resulting in large numbers of people developing asthma symptoms over a short period of time.

Those at increased risk at this time 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 hay fever who may or may not have asthma.

Having both asthma and hay fever, as well as poor control and self-management of asthma, may increase the risk further. 

Preparing for pollen season and getting back to school

In the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic it is important for parents and students to carefully monitor any hay fever or asthma symptoms, as these conditions can produce symptoms that are similar to COVID-19 such as a runny nose, cough or shortness of breath. This similarity is likely to cause challenges in differentiating between COVID-19 and hay fever or asthma symptoms and deciding if students should be excluded from school.

The best way to reduce and prevent symptoms of hay fever and asthma and reduce unnecessary absences from school is to follow an up-to-date hay fever treatment plan or asthma action plan.

Any staff or students with a history of seasonal pollen-related symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing or cough, should see their general practitioner (GP) if they don’t have an up-to-date plan. They should be encouraged to do this before term 4 starts.

GPs can provide:

· advice on how to best treat symptoms and prevent them from recurring

· advice on whether testing for COVID-19 is required* a written up-to-date hay fever treatment plan or asthma action plan, including what symptoms might suggest COVID-19 infection and require them to get tested for COVID-19 and stay home until a negative result is received.

Having good control of hay fever or asthma will not only make students feel better, but it will also help them recognise symptoms that may be caused by COVID-19 more easily, so they can get tested sooner and remain excluded from school – protecting themselves, their fellow students and staff, and the wider community.