Air quality advice north-east Victoria

By Simon Ruppert

Nov 21, 2019

VIc Emergency has just issued the following air-quality advice for north-east Victoria:

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This Advice 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 North East district.

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 ashma attack or breathing difficulties.

Call triple zero (000) immediately if someone is not breathing, if their asthma suddenly becomes worse or is not improving, or if the person is having an asthma attack and a reliever is not available.

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.

If you are experiencing asthma symptoms for the first time:

Don't ignore them, see your doctor to make a diagnosis and if severe call Triple Zero (000).
If required use asthma first aid. Remember that asthma relievers are available from pharmacies without a prescription.
Make sure you follow up with your doctor.
Call Nurse on Call on 1300 60 60 24 or see your doctor if you require medical advice.

This message was issued by Chief Health Officer.

By Simon Ruppert

Editor