Health & Lifestyle

Thousands of hay fever sufferers are warned to stay indoors for a WEEK as ‘extreme’ pollen levels surge

Victorians suffering from hay fever have been warned to stay indoors until Thursday as extreme pollen levels push across the state.

Melbourne Pollen issued the warning on Friday that a warmer-than-average spring and prevailing winds will result likely higher grass pollen levels.

Leading pollen expert Dr Edwin Lampugnani, of Melbourne University’s school of biosciences, told 3AW on Friday the those with hay fever should be cautious and potentially stay indoors until Thursday.

It is estimated one in five Australians suffer from hay fever.

‘If you’ve got allergies to grass pollens, it’s certainly advisable,’ Dr Lampugnani said.

Victorians who suffer hay fever are being warned to stay indoors until Thursday. Picture: Supplied

Victorians who suffer hay fever are being warned to stay indoors until Thursday. Picture: Supplied

‘Be advised and take medications early. It can be debilitating.

‘There will be extreme grass pollen levels across parts of Victoria … from Sunday to at least Thursday.’

The grass pollen forecast for much of Victoria is ‘extreme’, and in the southern part of the state it’s ‘high’.

It’s the earliest start to pollen season in 30 years, according to Melbourne Pollen.

The grass pollen forecast for the state’s north, northeast, Mallee and Wimmera is ‘extreme’ on Friday, while the east remains on ‘high’.

Melbourne is low, while the southwest remains moderate.

GCS My Life generic of woman sneezing hayfever

GCS My Life generic of woman sneezing hayfever

There’s already been nine high grass pollen days since October 1, compared to five days during the same time period in 2020.

The latest high pollen count has left experts concerned.

Forecasts predict high-to-extreme grass pollen levels across northern Victoria tomorrow and by Monday a statewide forecast of extreme grass pollen levels is anticipated.

People are advised to check the Melbourne Pollen website or use the Melbourne Pollen Count app to keep up to date with current warnings.

Why DO some people suddenly develop hay fever out of the blue?

For most hay fever sufferers, symptoms begin in childhood and persist for the rest of their lives. 

But some people appear to develop the condition suddenly and without any obvious reason, even well into their adult life.

No-one knows exactly why hay fever can appear out of the blue but there are a number of theories.

One is that they experienced very mild symptoms as a child that they did not notice.

Another is the ‘hygiene hypothesis’, that our bodies are weaker as we age because we aren’t exposed to as many infections as children.

Research has indicated that youngsters who grow up on farms with regular contact with animals are less likely to develop allergies later in life.

Another possibility is that sudden hay fever happens when the body is exposed to new surroundings – like moving from the city to the countryside, where there is usually more pollen.

But the same might also be true in people moving from rural to urban areas, with some evidence that pollution can exacerbate hay fever.

A weakening of the immune system could also be a trigger.

A bad infection, illness or traumatic emotional event may leave the body vulnerable to normally harmless allergens.

Between 15 and 20 per cent of people in the UK are thought to be affected, with the numbers being even higher among teenagers and symptoms typically peaking in people’s 20s.


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