The Director of Public Health has advised people with asthma and hay fever to take special care of their health on Wednesday.
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Dr Mark Veitch said pollen levels from many different plants, including grasses, have been very high across Tasmania.
While the Bureau of Meteorology has advised that thunderstorms could develop across the state with the risk highest in the Southeast.
“It is uncommon for thunderstorms and high pollen counts to coincide in Tasmania because thunderstorms are less common here than on the mainland,” Dr Veitch said.
“However, [Wednesday] is a day where the right conditions could line up to increase the risk of thunderstorm asthma in Tasmania.”
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He said the combination of high pollen, thunderstorms and strong winds can increase the risk of severe asthma in people with seasonal hay fever or allergic asthma, which is known as thunderstorm asthma.
“Thunderstorm asthma can also affect people who have never had asthma before,” Dr Veitch said.
“If you have been prescribed an asthma preventer, make sure you use it and have your reliever medication handy.”
Public health advises that if you need urgent medical care, call an ambulance on triple zero (000).
Visit www.airrater.org for more information and how to download the free AirRater app, which shows daily pollen counts across Tasmania.
For more information see www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/publichealth/air/thunderstorm_asthma