Victorians face higher risk of thunderstorm asthma during the grass pollen season

Health authorities are warning of a heightened risk of the deadly thunderstorm asthma phenomenon occurring in Spring.

Victorians have been urged to prepare for thunderstorm asthma — the deadly phenomenon that killed ten people in Melbourne in 2016 — in the coming weeks.

The Health Department warned on Saturday the grass pollen season — set to begin next month — will see an increase in asthma and hayfever, increasing the risk of the dangerous event.

The spike in breathing difficulties among the population — including in people with a history of hay fever but no asthma — occurs when a type of thunderstorm combines with a high pollen count.

There are concerns of a rise in asthma and hayfever during the grass pollen season. Picture: iStock

The 2016 Melbourne incident was the world’s largest known thunderstorm asthma event and Victoria’s deputy chief health officer Dr Angie Bonie said people should act now to protect themselves.

“It’s important for anyone who has or has ever had asthma, or spring hay fever, or who might sneeze or wheeze during pollen season, to talk to their GP or pharmacist now about what they can do to protect themselves,” she said.

“This can include updating your asthma action plan – which should be reviewed each year for adults or every six months for children.

“We know our hospitals are currently experiencing increased demand due to COVID-19 and other illnesses, so it’s important people at risk take steps to protect themselves and those in their care ahead of time.”

From October 1, people at risk of thunderstorm asthma can check the daily risk rating on the VicEmergency website or application.

Asthma reliever medication can be purchased without a prescription at pharmacies.