2.7 million Australians are living with asthma (that's 1 in 9 people).  With air pollution being a regular thing we breathe in, the risks and impacts for people with asthma are getting harder. But it’s not just people with asthma who are impacted. 

Air pollution, from traffic exhaust to your gas cook-top, can be damaging our lungs and your general health. When we breathe in certain air pollutants, the risk of developing conditions like asthma, heart or lung disease and cancer can increase.

Do you have asthma or hay fever?

During grass pollen season people may notice an increase in asthma and hay fever. Grass pollen season (October through to December) also brings the chance of thunderstorm asthma.

Asthma Week is a great time to speak to your doctor or pharmacist and find out what you can do to help prepare yourself and help reduce your risk of thunderstorm asthma.

The symptoms of asthma, hay fever and COVID-19 (External link) can be similar, and it can be difficult to tell the difference between them. If you are experiencing symptoms different to your usual asthma and hay fever symptoms, they have restarted after a period of absence or if you are unsure – get tested for COVID-19 and stay home until you get your results.

Remember, managing asthma and allergies matters.

More information is on betterhealth.vic.gov.au/thunderstormasthma (External link)