AMBULANCE Victoria (AV) says there were no “major issues” after a high-risk epidemic thunderstorm asthma event was forecast in the Mallee on Thursday.
Emergency Victoria warned people with asthma, hay fever or a rye grass allergy to be particularly aware of the risks.
An AV spokesperson said that while an epidemic thunderstorm asthma event did not eventuate, there was a slight increase in 000 calls for respiratory cases across the state.
“We encourage community members to monitor the epidemic thunderstorm asthma risk via the VicEmergency app,” they said.
“Anyone who suffers from hay fever or asthma should take their preventive medication as directed, even if symptom free, and avoid being outdoors in a storm.”
Swan Hill Marraboor Pharmacy co-owner and pharmacist Zoe Lazarou said while Ventolin and similar relievers were available without a prescription, the COVID-19 pandemic may make accessing this medication more difficult.
“There have been tighter restrictions (on Ventolin) since the pandemic,” Ms Lazarou said.
“So, ideally, people should see their GP to ensure an easy supply.”
While Ms Lazarou has not previously seen a local case of thunderstorm asthma, she said the phenomenon had been “well-documented” elsewhere.
The thunderstorm asthma warning was made on Thursday for those in the Mallee, Wimmera and South West weather districts, while the Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning for damaging winds across the state including in parts of the Mallee.
If anyone has a history of asthma or hay fever, they experience wheezing, breathlessness, a feeling of tightness in the chest or a persistent cough, they should have reliever medication with them at all times.
Those at risk should avoid the wind gusts before the storm and retreat inside and close windows and doors before and during the storm.
