News

People living with hay fever or asthma in our community will now have access to more accurate, and timely grass pollen and epidemic thunderstorm asthma risk forecasts thanks to a new automated pollen counter installed on the rooftop of Wodonga Hospital.

The Wodonga automated pollen counter is part of a modernised network providing data to the Victorian government’s epidemic thunderstorm asthma risk forecasting system, which combines grass pollen forecasts with weather data. It is one of six new counters across Victoria, which has been made possible through funding provided by the Australian Government’s Disaster Ready Fund and the Victorian government.

Thunderstorm asthma is a sudden and serious health event triggered when a specific type of thunderstorm coincides with high grass pollen levels. These conditions can cause large numbers of people to experience breathing difficulties at once and put strain on emergency departments.

Thunderstorm asthma forecasts are available via the VicEmergency website and app from 1 October through 31 December, the typical Victorian grass pollen season. By setting up a watch zone, people can also receive up-to-date advice and warnings about thunderstorm asthma during the season. Pollen forecasts can be found on Melbourne Pollen.

How the pollen counter works

The automated counter at Wodonga Hospital continuously draws in air samples and collect and analyse pollen data around the clock. The data feeds into machine learning models to forecast grass pollen levels each day. Previously, manual counts provided only one retrospective reading per day. Now, with enhanced data, the Victorian government can deliver more accurate and timely forecasts.

Ian Aldrich, AWH Clinical Nurse Consultant, Emergency Department, said “When people see that there’s going to be a higher risk of thunderstorm asthma, they can be proactive in looking after themselves and their loved ones. They can check the VicEmergency app and plan ahead.”.

Linda Hudec, AWH Chief Operating Officer, Acute Hospital Services, said “"The installation of the automated pollen counter strengthens our region’s health system resilience by enabling more precise forecasting and timely alerts. It’s a strategic step forward in aligning acute care with preventative health measures, ensuring our emergency departments are better prepared and our community is better protected."

Victorian Chief Health Officer, Caroline McElnay, said, “For those with asthma or hay fever, it’s a timely reminder to take preventive medication and be prepared. On higher risk thunderstorm asthma days, extra care is needed. Avoid being outdoors in thunderstorms, particularly the wind gusts that precede them - go indoors, close windows and doors, turn off air conditioners that bring outside air in, and avoid outdoor activities as the storms roll in,” she said.

Shaping the future of allergy and asthma care

Alongside the new pollen counter, the CARISTA Study – a major research project led by the University of Melbourne in partnership with Albury Wodonga Health and other healthcare providers – has recently commenced.

The study aims to better understand why many people experience worse asthma or and thunderstorm related asthma during springtime.

The study has recruited participants– including Albury Wodonga community members –aged 18–70 years who live with hay fever or asthma.

Anna Griffith, Manager Library & Research Office, Albury Wodonga Health, said:

“Through this study, local participants will undergo specialised testing, free of charge, for allergy to ryegrass pollen and engage in symptom monitoring over two hay fever seasons under the supervision of experts in this field, including Professor Jo Douglass from Royal Melbourne Hospital. Local clinicians Jo Manton (ED physician) and Karen Pullen (Nurse Practitioner) will be ensuring the safety of our local participants.’

The CARISTA Study is being led by The University of Melbourne in partnership with Albury Wodonga Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Alfred Health, Austin Health, Monash Health, Eastern Health, Northern Health, Western Health, Queensland University of Technology, and AirHealth.