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We
are now in the peak season for thunderstorm asthma in Victoria. For people with
asthma and spring hay fever, thunderstorm asthma can be sudden, serious and
life threatening.
Our hospitals are experiencing significant demand due to COVID-19, so
it’s important our community, particularly people who have a respiratory
illness, stay well.
The Department of Health's thunderstorm asthma public
health campaign aims to ensure all Victorians, particularly
people with asthma and/or hay fever, are prepared for a thunderstorm asthma
event.
It's important people with asthma or hay fever have good control of these
conditions and can manage symptoms in order to avoid unnecessary hospital
care.
Key messages of this campaign: - Our hospitals are experiencing
significant demand due to COVID-19, so it’s important you stay
well.
- October
through December is thunderstorm asthma
season. If you have asthma or hay fever, now is the time
to get ready, so you can manage any
symptoms and stay out of hospital.
- You can protect yourself and those in
your care by following these simple steps:
- Monitor the epidemic thunderstorm
asthma risk forecast on the VicEmergency app.
- Don’t be outdoors in a storm, especially
the winds that precede them.
- Take your preventative medication as
directed, even when you’re symptom free.
- Carry your reliever and know
how to manage an asthma attack. Follow your
asthma action plan or use asthma first aid.
- If you have mild asthma symptoms,
call NURSE-ON-CALL (1300 60 60 24), see your local
doctor, or speak with a pharmacist.
- Supercare pharmacies are
open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with a
free registered nursing service on site from 6 pm to 10
pm, every day.
- Call triple zero (000) immediately if you
can’t breathe, your asthma suddenly becomes worse or
you are having an asthma attack.
- If Ambulance Victoria say there are delays, you should get yourself to hospital.
If you do suffer from asthma, it would be appreciated if you could let us know so that we can note it on your file. Stay safe and take care Sharron Training Manager
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