HAY FEVER might be making your eyes water but extra help is here.
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Daily pollen counting resumes at the Creswick observation post from Thursday.
University of Melbourne's Melbourne Pollen Count research team has been checking conditions each high-pollen season in the wake of the state's 2016 thunderstorm asthma epidemic. Details and warning, provided in partnership with Bureau of Meteorology, aim to better inform people who experience hay fever and asthma.
Health experts have been urging anyone who experiences asthma and hay fever symptoms to have their preventative plans in place as spring set in amid the pandemic.
UFS chief pharmacist Peter Fell has warned the golden rule was for anyone with suspicious symptoms or doubt to get a COVID-19 test and isolate.
This was backed up by Victoria's chief health officer Brett Sutton early last month who said anyone with prolonged symptoms should get a test - even if that person thought they might have asthma - because, it would be hard for an individual to "tease out" the difference.
Professor Sutton had said a survey of compatible symptoms this cold and flu season showed less than 50 per cent of people with mild to moderate symptoms were not getting tested.
Melbourne Pollen Count predicts an average grass pollen season ahead. This should mean a milder season than 2019 with fewer high and extreme grass pollen day.
Melbourne had 27 high or extreme grass pollen days last season, while in an average season there are about 20.
This is based on below average rainfall in winter after a wet start to the year across western Victoria and drier soils.
Western Victoria grasslands are the main source for Melbourne's pollen, according to Melbourne Pollen.
Creswick hosts one of eight pollen monitoring stations across the state, chosen because it is close to Ballarat's population centre and has been identified as a key source area.
To check the daily count, visit melbournepollen.com.au, download the Melbourne Pollen app, or visit Melbouren Pollen's social media channels.
WHERE TO TAKE A COVID-19 TEST IN BALLARAT
Everyone who feels even the slightest cold or flu-like symptom must assume they have the virus until a test result proves otherwise. Anybody with symptoms or awaiting a result should self-isolate at home.
- If you have cold or flu-like symptoms, make an appointment either online or by phone (4311 1571) to take a test at Lucas Community Hub. Tests are by appointment only.
- There is also a central testing site at the Ballarat Senior Citizens Centre in Little Bridge Street. People are encouraged to book a test by calling 1800 054 172.
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