Bushfires and your health

Bushfires and smoke pose health risks, especially to people with certain conditions such as asthma. Learn how to prepare for bushfires, get emergency medication and more.

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Bushfire health and safety

Bushfires have become a part of Australian life. Learn how to protect your health, prepare for a natural disaster, know which health conditions put you at greater risk, and how to cope emotionally.

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What to do if you’re feeling stressed or helpless about the Australian bushfire crisis

Feeling stressed, scared or anxious about the Australian bushfires is normal, even if you’re not directly affected. Here's how to help yourself, and how to donate.

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Do face masks protect you from bushfire smoke?

Face masks won’t necessarily protect you from the poor air quality being caused by Australian bushfire smoke. Here's why, and what you can do to protect yourself.

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Natural disasters

How to prepare for, and cope during and after, a natural disaster such as bushfire, cyclone, flood and tsunami in Australia — with links to organisations that can help.

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Coping in a crisis

Information about coping in a crisis from leading Australian health organisations, including links to crisis support.

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How to take medicines safely in a natural disaster (bushfire, floods, cyclones)

It's important to have a plan to manage your medicines should a natural disaster strike. Here's how to safely take medication during a bushfire, flood and more.

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Mental health: where to get help

Learn how to navigate the Australian mental health system and its helpful services – and find out about any potential costs.

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Sending kids with asthma to school? Here's what you need to know

Sending your kids back to school after the long summer break can feel like a relief, but if you have a child with asthma, there are a few things to remember.

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Depression

There’s more to depression than ‘the blues’. If you’re sad for weeks, lack energy or no longer enjoy things you used to, you could be depressed.

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Stress

The ‘fight or flight’ response can help us, but in the long term, chronic stress can have damaging effects. Discover ways to keep calm and carry on.

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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Someone with PTSD experiences long-term fear, anxiety and memories of trauma that interfere with their ability to function.

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Causes of PTSD

The risk of experiencing PTSD can be increased by a complex mixture of factors such as childhood trauma and a history of mental illness.

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How to handle a heatwave

Heatwaves can be life threatening, with some groups more at risk than others. Here’s what you need to know about heat-related illness such as heatstroke.

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Emergency apps and online tools

Looking for tools and apps to help you deal with or prepare for an emergency? We've compiled a list of resources to help you when you need assistance.

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Wiggle’s collapse highlights the importance of CPR and defibrillators

Former yellow Wiggle, Greg Page, survived a cardiac arrest thanks to the quick actions of bystanders who performed CPR and used a defibrillator.

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Rural men face greater risk of health problems, including suicide

Men who live in rural and remote Australia are more at risk of many health issues, such as obesity and suicide. Even in the outback, help is available.

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Asthma

Asthma symptoms can include a cough, wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness. Learn more about its causes, symptoms and treatment options.

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