Melbourne Incident Alert issued a moderate warning for epidemic thunderstorm asthma in most of the state.

Thunderstorm asthma is a form of asthma that is triggered by an uncommon combination of high pollen (usually during late Spring to early Summer) and a certain kind of thunderstorm.

Anyone can be affected, even if you don’t have a history of asthma.

If you have been diagnosed with asthma, have symptoms of asthma or have a history of seasonal hay fever, be alert to the potential dangers of thunderstorm asthma. Be aware of when thunderstorms are forecast particularly on high or extreme pollen count days.

Where possible avoid the potential allergens blown on the winds of the approaching thunderstorm by staying indoors with doors and windows closed until the storm front has passed. However, remain alert for any asthma symptoms.

If you have been prescribed preventer medications, ensure you take it as advised by your doctor.

Always carry your reliever medication with you.  This is your emergency asthma first aid medication.

If you start developing any signs of asthma, follow your asthma action plan. If you don’t have one get a blue reliever puffer (you can get these over the counter at any pharmacy) and follow the asthma first aid steps. If at any point you are concerned your asthma is rapidly worsening, please call 000 and say you are having an asthma attack.