In brief:

• Hot weather can bring a range of health concerns.
• There are ways to prepare and protect yourself against getting sick.
• Read on for advice on health issues commonly experienced in summer.

From sunburn to salmonella, hot weather can present a range of health concerns.

Seek medical help if you or someone you know becomes unwell.

Beat the heat

Signs of heat exhaustion include nausea and vomiting, dizziness, fainting, and headaches.

In extreme heat, be sure to do the following.

• Wear sunscreen and a hat.
• Plan your day around the heat. Stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm.
• Drink plenty of water. Talk to your GP about how much water you should drink in hot weather if they normally limit your fluid intake.
• Pack a drink bottle. Remember there are water refill stations in public places like shopping centres and parks.
• Go somewhere where there is air conditioning. If it’s too hot at home, ACT libraries are a great place to stay cool while also keeping young ones entertained. You could also consider shopping centres or museums.
• Check in with friends and family.

Who is at higher risk?

Some people are at higher risk of heat-related illness. These include babies, young children, those who are older, pregnant or have medical conditions and people who work outdoors. Don’t forget to look out for your pets too.

If you’re at higher risk, talk to your GP about how to prepare for extreme heat.

Find more tips on the ACT Health website.

Keep aware of air quality

In the warmer months, air quality can decrease due to bushfire and grassfire smoke, dust storms and elevated pollen levels.

Some people are more sensitive to dust and smoke, including:

• people with a heart or lung condition
• people with diabetes
• babies and children
• older people
• pregnant people.

Prepare by chatting to your GP. Make sure your prescription medicines are up to date and to have an action plan in case your symptoms flare up.

Stay indoors and close your doors and windows during periods of poor air quality.

Take note of prescribed burns

It’s worth noting the ACT Government conducts several prescribed burns each year to manage fire risk across the region. Plan ahead and find out when prescribed burns are happening in your area. Check the ESA website to see a list of active incidents. And if you see a fire unattended, call triple-zero (000).

You can check Canberra's current air quality on the ACT Health website.

You can also monitor pollen levels by downloading the free AirRater app or by visiting the Canberra Pollen Count and Forecast Service website.

Be aware of thunderstorm asthma

If you have asthma, or even hay fever, you’re probably aware of thunderstorm asthma.

While rare, it can sudden, serious and even life-threatening. Thunderstorms can cause some people to develop severe asthma symptoms very quickly.

To be as prepared as possible, ensure your hay fever and /or asthma action plan is up to date. If you have asthma or have had it in the past, always carry a reliever (puffer).

Protect against mosquito bites

To protect yourself against mozzie bites and reduce the risk of exposure to the diseases they may carry:

• cover up with a light-coloured, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirt, long pants and covered shoes when outside
• apply mosquito repellent and reapply it regularly
• take special care during peak mosquito biting hours (in the ACT most mosquitoes become active at dawn and dusk, and into the evening)
• remove potential mosquito breeding sites from around the home
• use flyscreens on windows and doors.

Learn more about mosquito risk and prevention.

Be mindful of food preparation and storage safety

The risk of food poisoning is higher in summer. Many Canberrans entertain outdoors, attend barbecues away from home and enjoy festive leftovers.

Bacteria in food multiply faster in warm environments. Refrigerating and disposing of food appropriately is important to reduce the chance of becoming unwell.

Christmas ham, for example, lasts up to 14 days (depending on how you store it). It also takes up precious room in your fridge, so be sure to bin it once it’s past its prime.

Prevent illness by keeping hands and utensils clean, cooking foods, like meats, thoroughly and discarding food that has been left out for more than four hours.

Check recreational water quality

It’s important to check the conditions of recreational waterways before swimming or playing in lakes and ponds.

Microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, parasites and algae are often found in waterways.

If you or your family drink water in recreational waterways while swimming or camping, for example, you can become sick.

The most common illness from poor water quality is gastroenteritis.

More information

Visit the ACT Government website for health advice during spring and summer.

If you feel unwell, or are concerned about your health, see your GP, visit a Walk-in Centre or consult another healthcare professional.

Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:

Subscribe to Our CBR