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Looking after your asthma this summer

Heading away this summer? Remember to prepare in advance for your asthma and allergies with our handy fact sheets.

Get tips to help you manage your asthma in hot weather and during bushfire season, find out how you can minimise allergies when putting up your Christmas trees, or learn what you need to know about travelling with asthma and allergies.

Asthma and allergy control in 2020

Is getting your asthma and allergies under control one of your 2020 resolutions? 

Our factsheet library is here to help. 

You'll find tips for different seasons, challenges and to help manage common triggers in your home. 

Partners and products

Wet weather and humidity

Weather forecasters predict wetter months ahead for many parts of Australia.

It''s a reminder to keep an eye on your indoor humidity and know the role it plays in a healthy home. 

Higher indoor humidity levels make it easier for mould and dust mites to multiply, which can be an asthma or allergy trigger for some people. 

Sensitive Choice program manager Adele Taylor says mould has a habit of hiding and spreads to places you cannot see.

Our updated mould and indoor humidity fact sheets are here to help this winter. 

Visit our website to find out more about indoor humidity and steps you can take. 

Partners and products

We rigorously review products and services to determine their potential health benefit to people with asthma and allergies.

Look out for the blue butterfly symbol on Sensitive Choice approved products.

Special offer

Look out for a special offer on the Sensitive Choice approved Hoover Ultra Power Stick vacuum at Godfreys. It''s available with a $50 discount until 8 July. Visit Godfreys for details.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and asthma

As the new coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads, it's important for people with asthma to maintain good asthma control and follow the advice from health authorities.

• Get your asthma control as good as possible now
• Have a flu shot (when available)
• Use a puffer and spacer. Speak with your doctor about making the switch if you use nebulisers.
• Take advantage of telehealth consults
• Follow advice about hygiene and social distancing

Prepare for flu season

As flu season approaches, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about getting the flu vaccination. The coronavirus pandemic makes it even more important for people with asthma this year. 

National Asthma Council CEO Siobhan Brophy says seasonal colds and flu are typically the main trigger for serious and life-threatening asthma flare-ups.

"Receiving a vaccination from April, ahead of the peak influenza period, will help protect your health," Ms Brophy says.  

Flooring for people with asthma and allergies

If someone in your household has asthma or allergies, it can be tricky to know which type of flooring to consider.  

Our guide has handy information on different choices, from carpets to hard floors.

It''s important to know which triggers affect your home to help you decide what will suit your circumstances.

Visit our website to find out about flooring options in our updated factsheet. 

Partners and products

We rigorously review products and services to determine their potential health benefit to people with asthma and allergies.

Look out for the blue butterfly on Sensitive Choice approved products and services.

Supporting health professionals

This month, we''re highlighting the health professionals who help people with asthma breathe better.

Now, more than ever, is a time to recognise their important work, as we face the COVID-19 pandemic. 

On World Asthma Day, Tuesday 5 May, we shared our appreciation for the range of health professionals who contribute to asthma care - from GPs to pharmacists, nurses to respiratory physicians and scientists, allied health professionals and more.

To mark International Nurses Day, Tuesday 12 May, we''ve shared stories from nurses working in respiratory care. Thanks to our partner Protect-A-Bed for offering a gift to each profile participant. 

And we''ve collected your words of support to share with the health professional community. Thank you to everyone who participated - look out for a selection of your messages on Facebook and Instagram this week.

Partners and products

We rigorously review products and services to determine their potential health benefit to people with asthma and allergies.

Look out for the blue butterfly symbol on Sensitive Choice approved products.

CP Group competition

Numu-roo special offer

Creating a healthy home in spring

If you or someone in your household has asthma and/or allergies, a spring clean can be a helpful way to keep your home healthy during the warmer months.

However, we also know cleaning can be tricky for people with asthma and allergies as most cleaning activities often stir up dust and allergens. 

It''s important to know which triggers affect you so you can take steps to reduce your exposure and manage triggers in your home.

Our spring cleaning allergy fact sheet provides you with simple cleaning tips that can make a difference, such as washing bedding regularly in water hotter than 55 degrees to kill dust mites.

Visit our website to learn more.

Partners and products 

We rigorously review products and services to determine their potential health benefit to people with asthma and allergies.

Look out for the blue butterfly on Sensitive Choice approved products and services.

Partners and products

What are VOCs?

Many people have heard about VOCs, but what are they and where do you find them?

Volatile organic compounds are common and can be found both indoors and outdoors.

While some should be avoided, others are not known to cause issues for most people. But some people may be allergic or sensitised to some VOCs. 

Visit our website to find out more in our updated factsheet.