By Jack O’Shea-AyresWith October marking the start of Victoria’s grass pollen season, Northern Health are reminding Hume and Whittlesea residents to prepare for the risk of thunderstorm asthma. The season runs through to December 31 and has the potential to bring increased pollen levels combined with particular weather conditions which are likely to trigger potentially life-threatening asthma events. Epidemic Thunderstorm Asthma (ETSA) occurs when high grass pollen grains are swept into the air by strong winds. Health experts have also advised those with asthma or hay fever to take preventative steps during pollen season, including using prescribed inhalers even when symptom-free, carrying a reliever such as Ventolin or Asmol, and consulting a GP if asthma is not well controlled. Residents are also recommended to check daily pollen and thunderstorm asthma forecasts, available between October and December at health.vic.gov.au.