Sign Up For Asthma Alerts

With pollen counts currently high, people with asthma are urged to carry their asthma puffer with them at all times.

Acting Director Public Health Unit, Alison Nikitas issued a thunderstorm asthma alert for the Murrumbidgee Local Health District area.

Thunderstorms can increase the risk of asthma and even affect people who have not had asthma before.

A notification system has been developed whereby people can register to be notified by SMS or email on spring days when the risk of thunderstorm-triggered asthma is high.

Asthmatics are urged to:

• Remain indoors with the windows and doors closed during thunderstorms, where possible;
• Take appropriate preventer medications as prescribed;
• Ensure reliever medication is immediately available at all times; and
• Monitor thunderstorm activity.

If you have breathing difficulties, dial 000 or go to the hospital emergency department.

To register for notifications, text or SMS the word Asthma to 0417 115 876 for SMS alerts or email the word Asthma (in the subject line or email body) to asthmaalert@eapi.whispir.com to receive email alerts. You can monitor thunderstorm activity via the Bureau of Meteorology website www.bom.gov.au.

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• Health & Wellbeing