Extreme grass pollen forecast for Albury Wodonga

The Sydney Pollen Count and Forecast, in partnership with the National Asthma Council Australia, is warning Albury Wodonga residents to prepare for high levels of grass pollen expected over the coming week. This significant increase in pollen levels is expected to intensify symptoms for those with hay fever and asthma, and residents are encouraged to take proactive measures to reduce exposure.

Dr Edwin Lampugnani, Chief Operating and Scientific Officer of Sydney Pollen, said elevated pollen levels are expected in the coming days.

“We are forecasting extreme grass pollen levels in Albury Wodonga tomorrow, as well as the coming weekend, which will affect many locals, particularly those with grass pollen allergies. It's essential for individuals to stay informed about pollen levels and take preventive measures,” he said.

Grass pollen is the major allergic pollen type in Albury Wodonga and the worst grass pollen days are in November, when hot northerly winds bring pollen into the city from pastures in the surrounding countryside.

The Sydney Pollen service uses advanced machine learning models to generate accurate, location-specific grass pollen forecasts across the entire state. Knowing when grass pollen levels are elevated can help people manage their exposure to pollen during peak times.

“Our Sydney Pollen App allows users to track pollen levels and receive alerts when grass pollen counts are at their highest. This is a valuable tool for anyone who suffers from pollen-related conditions, enabling them to take steps to reduce their exposure,” Dr Lampugnani said.

Associate Professor Debbie Rigby, Clinical Executive Lead at the National Asthma Council Australia, said people with asthma or hay fever, or those caring for children with asthma need to know what to do during a peak grass pollen season or asthma emergency.

“If you or your child are allergic to ryegrass pollen and have asthma you could have a severe asthma attack if you are outside in gusty winds and exposed to grass pollen just before or during a thunderstorm.

“Most people with asthma over the age of six years should be using a preventer to keep their asthma under control. A blue reliever inhaler does not stop the inflammation that causes asthma and will not prevent an asthma attack.

“Now is the time to check in with your GP and make sure you are on the best treatment to control your asthma and know what to do during a spring thunderstorm or asthma emergency.

“Even people with hay fever, who have never had asthma, should see their GP if they experience worsening asthma symptoms like breathlessness, wheezing and tightness in the chest,” she said.

Thunderstorm asthma season tips from the NAC include:

• Track pollen levels using the Sydney Pollen App*
• Take your inhaled corticosteroid ‘preventer’ medicine as prescribed
• Make an appointment with your GP to check your written asthma action plan is up to date
• Always carry a ‘reliever’ puffer and replace it before the expiry date
• If you have hay fever, regular use of a nasal corticosteroid spray (a preventer for the nose) during pollen season is the best treatment to control allergy symptoms
• Avoid being outdoors during thunderstorms in spring or early summer (especially the wind gusts that come before a storm)
• If you can, stay indoors with your windows closed and the air conditioner off or on recirculation mode, or if driving, shut your car windows and only use recirculating air
• Brush up on your asthma first aid - learn how to recognise and treat an asthma attack, including where to get a reliever quickly if needed (e.g. first aid kit or pharmacy).

*All Albury Wodonga residents with asthma or allergies are recommended to keep an eye on daily pollen forecasts via the Sydney Pollen App and enable notifications to help manage exposure.

Media Enquiries:

For further information and media interviews please contact: Donna Le Page at Le Page PR 0412 797 937 or [email protected]