Hay fever and asthma sufferers warned to take care amid high grass pollen forecast for Victoria - ABC News

Topic:Allergies

High pollen counts have been recorded across Victoria this weekend. (Pixabay)

Melbourne's grass pollen levels reached extreme levels at about 8pm on Saturday night.

High levels are also predicted this afternoon across much of Victoria, with extreme levels forecast for north-central and north-east parts of the state.

People in East Gippsland have also been warned of a high risk of thunderstorm asthma.

After a challenging Saturday night for many hay fever and asthma sufferers across Victoria, high or extreme grass pollen levels are forecast again this afternoon.

Melbourne's grass pollen levels peaked sharply around 8pm on Saturday. (Facebook: Melbourne Pollen)

Edwin Lampugnani, the service's chief operating officer, on Sunday morning said the grass pollen count had been steadily increasing over the past 24 hours.

"That culminated last night at about eight o'clock, when levels reached very significant levels, extreme levels, before they slowly dropped, but still remained within the extreme banding until about 7am this morning," Dr Lampugnani said.

However the reprieve is set to be short-lived, with high levels of grass pollen predicted for much of Victoria, and extreme levels in the north central and north east parts of the state.

Parts of Victoria, including Melbourne, can expect high pollen levels today, according to Melbourne Pollen's forecast.

"We anticipate that this afternoon will be challenging for most people with hay fever and particularly those with asthma," Dr Lampugnani said.

VicEmergency is also warning of a high risk of thunderstorm asthma in East Gippsland.Dr Lampugnani said Victoria was now entering its core grass pollen season, with a number of high and extreme grass pollen days typical for this time of year.

"So it's very important that if you have hay fever and asthma, you are prepared," he said.

"If you have asthma, make sure you have an asthma action plan in place. If you have severe hay fever, make sure you've gone to a GP or a pharmacist and sought that advice that you clearly need."

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Allergies

Melbourne

VIC

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