CONCERNS mount for thunderstorm asthma on Thursday, October 28.
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Emergency Victoria have updated their warning for thunderstorm asthma as of 1pm Thursday, October 28.
All of Western Victoria is advised for the following.
This ddvice message is to advise that people may experience asthma symptoms or difficulty breathing due to the combination of thunderstorm activity and high grass pollen levels in the Mallee, Wimmera and South West.
- Our hospitals are experiencing significant demand due to COVID-19, so it's important you stay well.
- If you have a history of asthma or hay fever, or you experience wheezing, breathlessness, a feeling of tightness in the chest or a persistent cough, you should have reliever medication with you at all times today.
- Avoid the wind gusts before the storm. Go inside and close your windows and doors before and during the storm.
- If you're experiencing any of the above symptoms you may be having an asthma attack.
- An asthma attack is serious and can be life threatening.
- If you develop asthma symptoms, follow your asthma action plan, or if you don't have a plan, follow the 4 steps of asthma first aid.
Be aware of an increased chance of having an asthma attack or breathing difficulties. Call Nurse on Call on 1300 60 60 24 or see your doctor if you require medical advice. Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if someone is not breathing, if their asthma suddenly becomes worse or is not improving.
IN OTHER NEWS:
What you should do:
- If you have asthma carry a reliever puffer (usually blue) on you at all times today.
- If you have hay fever, review the asthma first aid steps and have a reliever puffer suitably available.
- If using air conditioning, turn it onto recirculate.
- Using asthma reliever medication in an emergency when breathing is difficult is unlikely to cause harm, even if the person doesn't have asthma.
If you are experiencing asthma symptoms for the first time:
- Don't ignore them, see your doctor or contact Nurse on Call on 1300 60 60 24 for expert medical advice.
- If required use asthma first aid. Remember that asthma relievers are available from pharmacies without a prescription.
- Supercare pharmacies are open 24 hours a day seven days a week. Find Supercare pharmacy near you.
- Make sure you follow up with your doctor.
- Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if someone is not breathing, if their asthma suddenly becomes worse or is not improving.
Impacts in your area:
- Check that loose items such as outdoor furniture, umbrellas and trampolines are safety secured well before the storm arrives.
- Park your car undercover and away from trees.
- Stay safe by avoiding dangerous hazards, such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees.
- Stay away from fallen powerlines - always assume they are live.
This message was issued by Department of Health.
The next update is expected by 28/10/2021 09:30 pm or as the situation changes.
For more information:
- For more information on what thunderstorm asthma is, visit the Better Health Channel.
- Monitor epidemic thunderstorm asthma forecasts.
For health advice:
- Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if someone is not breathing, if their asthma suddenly becomes worse, or if someone is having a severe asthma attack.
- Call Nurse-On-Call on 1300 60 60 24 - for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days).
Use multiple sources to stay informed:
- www.emergency.vic.gov.au.
- VicEmergency Hotline - freecall 1800 226 226.
- VicEmergency app.
- Facebook or Twitter (#thunderstormasthma)
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Alison Foletta
Alison Foletta specialises in local government and court stories. For story tips on Ballarat and local government email: alison.foletta@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Alison Foletta specialises in local government and court stories. For story tips on Ballarat and local government email: alison.foletta@austcommunitymedia.com.au
