Thunderstorm Asthma

What is thunderstorm asthma?

During grass pollen season (1 October - 31 December) people may notice an increase in asthma and/or hay fever symptoms. Grass pollen season also brings the chance of epidemic thunderstorm asthma.

Epidemic thunderstorm asthma is triggered by a unique combination of high amounts of grass pollen in the air and a certain type of thunderstorm.

For people with asthma or hay fever, especially those who experience wheezing or coughing, thunderstorm asthma can sometimes be sudden, serious and even life threatening.

Epidemic thunderstorm asthma is when a large number of people develop asthma symptoms over a short period of time.

The epidemic thunderstorm asthma risk forecast will be issued throughout the grass pollen season.

Protect yourself this pollen season

You can protect yourself and those in your care by following these simple steps:

Monitor the epidemic thunderstorm asthma risk forecast:

Vic Emergency thunderstorm asthma forecast webpage

Download the VicEmergency app (App Store or Google Play) – you can set up a 'watch zone' for your location to receive advice and warnings about potential epidemic thunderstorm asthma events during the grass pollen season.

Don’t be outdoors in a storm, especially during the winds that precede them. Go inside and close your doors and windows. Turn off any air conditioner systems that bring air from outside into the home or car (including evaporative air conditioners).

Carry your reliever and take your preventative medication as directed, even when you’re symptom free.

Follow your asthma action plan or use the asthma first aid.

Condition	Symptoms	What to do
Asthma	Typical asthma symptoms include: wheezing – a whistling noise when breathing shortness of breath a tight feeling in the chest coughing.	If you have asthma – talk to your GP to review and update your asthma action plan so you know how to manage your asthma. If you've ever had asthma – talk to your GP about protecting yourself from the risk of thunderstorm asthma this pollen season. If you've experienced wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness or a persistent cough – then you may have asthma. Talk to your GP about whether you may have asthma, so you can get those symptoms under control. For mild asthma symptoms, call Nurse-on-Call (1300 60 60 24), see your GP or speak with a pharmacist. If your condition is urgent, not improving or getting worse, call 000 or attend hospital.
Hay Fever	Typical hayfever symptoms include: Runny nose Itchy nose Sneezing Itchy, water eyes	If you have hay fever, see your GP or pharmacist for a hay fever treatment plan. If you experience asthma symptoms with your hay fever, or you’re not sure, see your GP.
COVID-19	The symptoms of asthma, hay fever and COVID-19 can be similar, and it can be difficult to tell the difference between them	If you are experiencing symptoms different to your usual asthma and hay fever, or if they have restarted after a period of absence or if you are unsure – get tested for COVID and stay home whilst you are unwell.

Stay up to date

There are a number of ways you can stay up to date and help the community prepare for the coming season.

For current and active alerts: Vic Emergency - alerts for Epidemic Thunderstorm Asthma (consider setting up a ‘watch zone’ for your area)
Risk forecasts and warnings: Melbourne Pollen website
Public information: B etter Health Channel - Epidemic Thunderstorm Asthma
Health sector: Health.vic.gov.au - Epidemic Thunderstorm Asthma
For GPs: Murray PHN have put together a preparedness document: Thunderstorm Asthma Preparedness

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Spread the word

Social media

Share social media tiles on your social media pages.

Videos

Share easy-to-understand videos in English and other languages here.

Posters and brochure

Display the thunderstorm asthma and asthma first aid posters, or the community brochure. Access the print-ready promotional materials here.
To order free printed posters or brochure in English and other languages, please use the online order form.

Website and newsletter

Update your website using information from the thunderstorm asthma campaign page.

Multicultural resources

A range of translated resources are available on the Epidemic thunderstorm asthma | Better Health Channel

The following Thunderstorm asthma overview video is available in the following languages - see below:

If you have further questions on thunderstorm asthma, please call the Department of Health’s Environmental Health Unit on 1300 761 874 or email [email protected]

Thunderstorm Asthma