The next four weeks are set to be fraught with difficulties for MIA asthma sufferers and people who "wheeze and sneeze" during spring time.
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Murrumbidgee Local Health District have sent out an alert for people to be mindful, and encourages those with concerns to sign up for an SMS alert system when the pollen counts are high and thunderstorms are predicted
Director Public Health Unit Tracey Oakman says you could be at risk this season even if you don't think you have asthma.
"Thunderstorms cause pollen grains to explode and release fine particles which can be inhaled more deeply into the lungs making even more people wheeze and sneeze," Mrs Oakman added.
"People should be prepared, not alarmed, and anyone with diagnosed asthma should carry their asthma medication with them at all times during this high risk period.
"Where possible avoid being outside during thunderstorms over the next four weeks. Parents should be vigilant to keep their children inside during storms, with the doors and windows closed,."
In 2016, there were 3,643 hospital presentations for respiratory illnesses, with nine people dying from asthma attacks after a severe thunderstorm in Melbourne.
The Public Health Unit will be monitoring thunderstorm activity and pollen count levels and issuing alerts at these high risk times.
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Charles Sturt University has set up a SMS alert system to help people prepare for triggering asthma conditions. You can register to get those notifications here.
Those experiencing breathing difficulties should seek medical help immediately, as they can be life threatening.
Call 000 for an emergency immediately.
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