Chief Health Officer, Professor Brett Sutton also issued a high risk alert on Thursday afternoon, meaning there is an increased chance of an epidemic thunderstorm asthma event occurring.

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It comes as the central Victoria prepares for the possibility of severe thunderstorms which could bring damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall.

What is thunderstorm asthma?

During grass pollen season people may notice an increase in asthma and hay fever. Grass pollen season also brings the chance of thunderstorm asthma.

Thunderstorm asthma is thought to be triggered by a unique combination of high grass pollen counts and a certain type of thunderstorm.

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For people who have asthma or hay fever this can cause severe asthma symptoms, making it difficult to breath.

When a large number of people develop asthma symptoms over a short period of time, this is known as epidemic thunderstorm asthma.

These epidemic thunderstorm asthma events don't happen every year but when they do, they can happen during grass pollen season, which is normally from October through December.

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Who is at risk?

Thunderstorm asthma can affect those with asthma or hay fever - especially people who experience wheezing or coughing with their hay fever.

That's why its important for people with asthma or hay fever to know about thunderstorm asthma and what they can do to help protect themselves during grass pollen season.

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Even if you don't think you have asthma or hay fever, don't ignore symptoms like wheezing or shortness of breath - check with your GP.

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