The interim Australian Centre for Disease Control

The sun can be harsh in Australia – we have one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. ☀️ Whether you’re heading for a swim, picnic or a walk during our summer days, we have you covered with our #SafeSummer tips: 😀 Wear sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible 🧴 Put on broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF50+ sunscreen 🤠 Wear a hat that protects your face, head, neck and ears 😎 Wear sunglasses 🌳 Seek shade whenever possible. Remember that you can get sunburned even on cool or overcast days. It’s the UV index that matters – if it’s 3 or above, the sun’s rays can damage your skin and eyes. See how to have a sun safe summer at 💻 https://lnkd.in/gneNA8SP

Valentine’s Day is an occasion for romance, but it's also National Condom Day. This year we’re encouraging health care professionals to talk to their patients about sexual health checkups. Between 2014 and 2023, syphilis infections rose over 200% and Gonorrhea increased by 127%, according to the Kirby Institute. Access helpful resources to have conversations with your patients about using protection and getting tested 💻 https://lnkd.in/gA28CbHX

We’re teaming up with CSIRO for the third One Health Wonders webinar. This time, we’re exploring arboviruses, which are viruses that spread from insects like mosquitos 🦟 and ticks to cause illnesses such as Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and dengue fever. Join the webinar to learn about arboviruses in a changing environment. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and hear from a panel of experts, including: 👉 Dr Prasad Paradkar, CSIRO 👉 Dr David Williams, CSIRO 👉 Associate Professor Cameron Webb, NSW Health. 📅 Wednesday 19 February 2025 ⏰ 2 – 3pm AEDT Register now at 💻 https://lnkd.in/g8QMuyfj

Did you know people who work outdoors, older people, children and babies, and people with chronic health conditions, are at higher risk of developing ☀️ heat-related illnesses For this week’s Safe Summer tip, we encourage you to check in on your 👪 friends and family who may be at greater risk of severe illness. Learn how to stay safe in the heat at 💻 https://lnkd.in/gnEytYK4

There’s plenty of hot weather ahead, so this week’s Safe Summer tip is about knowing the signs 🛑 of heatstroke, heat exhaustion and dehydration. During the warmer months, seek medical attention quickly if you notice signs or symptoms like: 🌡️ sudden rises in body temperature 🥵 red, hot dry skin 💧 intense thirst and less need to urinate 💓 rapid pulse and breathing 🤮 nausea and vomiting 🥴 unusual behaviour, confusion and slurred speech. Call 000 if you see someone experiencing loss of consciousness or seizures. To learn more about sunscreen and how best to lather up this summer, visit 💻 https://lnkd.in/gtMdBbb2

Food spoils more quickly in the heat. That’s why summer is prime time for food poisoning! 🤢 This week’s Safe Summer tip is to keep it fresh! Avoid food poisoning by: 💧 regularly washing your hands, utensils and chopping boards 🧊 storing perishable food in a fridge rinsing fruits and vegetables well 🍤 cooking meats, seafood and eggs well ⏰ correctly storing and eating food as soon as possible after preparing it 🤒 not preparing food for others when you are unwell 🥩 separating raw foods – like meat, seafood and eggs – from ready-to-eat food. No matter how delicious it looks 🤤, if food has been left out in the heat, just don’t risk it! See how to make sure your food is safe to eat at 💻 https://lnkd.in/gzYiJ__m

Are you ready to have a Safe Summer? For this week’s top tip, it’s time to lather up 🧴. Summer is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities but being in the sun too long can cause heatstroke, sunburn, and skin cancer. Wearing sunscreen with other sun protection can help reduce your risk of serious sunburn, but did you know most Australians don’t apply sunscreen correctly? To learn more about sunscreen and how best to lather up this summer, visit 💻 https://lnkd.in/gtMdBbb2

Getting rid of mosquitoes 🦟 can help avoid a range of mosquito-borne illnesses including Japanese encephalitis virus. Take steps to make your home unappealing to mosquitoes and protect yourself by: ☑️ removing standing water ☑️ screening your windows and doors ☑️ applying effective insect repellent ☑️ wearing long, loose-fitting clothes. Some people are eligible for free vaccination. Read more 💻 https://lnkd.in/gbyZ_VQQ

🔥 Breathe easier this bushfire season! Even if you’re safe from a fire, poor air quality from the smoke can cause severe health problems. When there is smoke outside, our Safe Summer tips are to: 🏠 stay indoors with your windows and doors closed 😷 wear a P2 or N95 respirator mask inside ❄️ if using a reverse-cycle air conditioner, ensure it's in recirculate mode, so no air is drawn in from outside ⚠️ if you have access to one, use a HEPA filter to help clean smoky air and reduce the likelihood of catching and spreading airborne viruses 🏃♀️ avoid strenuous outdoor activities 📱 monitor local air quality conditions before going outside Ventilate your home when the air quality outside improves to reduce indoor air pollutants and viruses always check and follow the advice of your local emergency services. Read more about air quality during a bushfire at 💻 https://lnkd.in/gcpwScAy

Wishing you all a happy, safe and healthy festive season 😊. Comments on our recent posts will be turned off 💬 over the break. We look forward to seeing you online from Thursday 2 January 2025.