Extreme hayfever warning issued for weekend as experts warn sufferers not to ignore COVID-19 symptoms
Victorians should brace for severe hayfever conditions this weekend as experts fear hayfever symptoms may mask COVID-19 cases. Find out how to be prepared.
Melbourne City
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The Department of Health and Human Services has forecast a high grass pollen forecast for Victoria today before extreme conditions arrive on Sunday.
High pollen in the air today paired with north to north-westerly winds may create flare ups for those at risk, and Melbourne University experts are urging people to avoid exposure to minimise irritation.
“A high grass-pollen count is bad news for people with hayfever and we need to be particularly conscious of respiratory problems because of COVID-19, but people can take steps to reduce its impact,” pollen count co-ordinator Ed Newbigin said.
“Symptoms for hayfever overlap with the symptoms for COVID-19 to an extent, people who are experiencing hayfever today and have never experienced it before should get tested for coronavirus,” Associate Professor Newbigin said.
“Those with a history of hayfever should take their normal treatment but if symptoms persist, go get tested.”
These symptoms include a runny nose, cough or shortness of breath.
VICTORIAN POLLEN FORECAST TODAY
Central: High
East Gippsland: High
Mallee: High
North Central: Moderate
North East: High
Northern Country: High
South West: Moderate
West and South Gippsland: High
Wimmera: High
Each year Melbourne experiences hayfever season in November which sees high rates of hospitalisations for sufferers.
Parents are reminded schools cannot administer medication and children should be prepared if they have previously had issued.
MELBOURNE POLLEN FORECAST THIS WEEK
Pollen levels remain extreme in many parts of the state but the risk is expected to drop tomorrow.
Pollen levels are measured on how much grass pollen is in the air. Low 1-9, Moderate 10-49, High 50-99, Extreme 100 and above
Today: Moderate
Friday: Low
Saturday: Moderate
Sunday: Extreme
Monday: Low
Tuesday: High
The best way to protect yourself is to have an asthma and hayfever treatment plan, learn first aid and avoid storms during the high season.
Experts have warned wheezing, shortness or breath or a tight chest is not a asthma symptom, if you experience this contact your GP.
Avoid going outside in storms that fall in the pollen season including any wind gusts that follow.
It is essential to maintain social distancing and wearing a face mask as people with hayfever or asthma sneeze and cough more frequently and may increase the spread of coronavirus.
To keep up to date with warnings download the free Melbourne Pollen Count app providing daily count information across the state.
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Contact Grace at grace.mckinnon@news.com.au