Public health alert - thunderstorm asthma

Acting Director Public Health Unit, April Roberts-Witteveen has issued a thunderstorm asthma alert for the Murrumbidgee Local Health District.

• Current high pollen counts and predicted thunderstorms can increase the risk of asthma. 
• If you know you have asthma carry your asthma puffer with you at all times and try to stay indoors with the windows and doors closed during the storm period. 
• Be aware that thunderstorm asthma can also affect people who have not had asthma before.
• If you have breathing difficulties call 000 or go to your nearest hospital Emergency Department.  

You can monitor thunderstorm activity in your region via the Bureau of Meteorology website www.bom.gov.au.

To receive an SMS or Email alert when the pollen counts are high and thunderstorms are predicted:

• Go to https://science-health.csu.edu.au/asthma/thunderstorm-asthma to register, or;
• Text the word Asthma to 0417 115 876.

For information and fact sheets about Thunderstorm Asthma go to https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/thunderstorm-asthma.aspx