In brief:

• This article lists tips to staying well in the warmer months.
• Pollen levels are higher in spring.
• Mowing season starts in spring and can trigger allergies.

Spring brings beautiful blooms and sunny days, but with the change in season, it’s important to stay mindful of your health and safety.

Here are some spring safety tips:

Stay ahead of hay fever and asthma

Spring means more pollen is around, which may trigger asthma and hay fever symptoms.

You can prepare by visiting your GP to update your action plan or make one.

To stay prepared in spring:

• take any asthma or allergy medication as prescribed
• always carry medications recommended in your action plan
• monitor pollen levels by visiting the Canberra Pollen Count Forecast Service.

Remember, you can still have asthma or hay fever symptoms when pollen level forecasts are low.

If your usual asthma treatment is not effective, seek medical advice. In the event of a medical emergency, call triple zero (000).

Mowing can trigger certain allergies. It’s good to be aware that mowing season starts in spring (September to March).

Suburbs, open spaces and arterial roads are mown every 3-4 weeks, weather permitting.

See the schedule here.

If you’re doing mowing at home, try:

• mow when pollen counts are low
• don’t wait too long to mow and keep the grass short
• use a mower with a grass clippings bag attached
• wear protective clothing like gloves, sleeves, glasses and masks.

It’s not too late to vaccinate

Respiratory viruses like influenza (flu), COVID-19 and RSV still hang around throughout spring.

If you or your family haven’t been vaccinated for influenza this year, it’s not too late to do so. Everyone aged 6 months and over is recommended to receive a flu vaccine every year.

Vaccination offers the best protection against serious illness. It also helps protect vulnerable community members, including those who can’t be vaccinated such as babies.

Talk to your GP or pharmacist about which vaccines are recommended and funded for you – as it can depend on your age, health risks, and other individual circumstances.

Stay safe in the heat

As we get further into spring, we can experience some hot days in Canberra.

Hot weather can bring a range of health concerns from sunburn to salmonella.

Read our article on ways to prevent getting sick in the warmer months.

No hat, play in the shade at schools

There are new sun protection guidelines for all ACT public schools.

Students need to wear hats outdoors from August through to May. Schools have moved from ‘no hat, no play’ to ‘no hat, play in the shade’ approach during these months if students do not have access to a hat.

Hat wearing is not compulsory in June and July but is still recommended.

This approach encourages year-round sun protection for kids, whilst not missing out on physical activity.

Schools also have sunscreen available.

Find out more about the new policy on the ACT Education website.

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