“Summer in Canberra can bring sudden spikes in temperature, and even moderate heat can affect your health if you’re not prepared,” says ACT Chief Health Officer Dr Kerryn Coleman. 

“Heat-related illness develops quickly and can even be life threatening. While it can affect anyone, young children, pregnant people, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions are especially vulnerable. 

“Early signs like dizziness, headaches or nausea mean it’s time to rest, hydrate and cool off.” 

Dr Coleman says there are a few simple steps everyone can take to stay safe and prevent heat-related illness, such as staying indoors during the hottest parts of the day, drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, and always wearing a hat and sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when outdoors. 

“Be on the lookout for signs of heat-related illness, and take actions to cool down and hydrate. If you or someone in your care becomes very unwell from heat-related illness, seek medical attention,” Dr Coleman says. 

Summer also means more outdoor dining and barbecues, which can increase the risk of food poisoning. 

Victor Martin, from the ACT Health Protection Service, says bacteria multiply faster in warm conditions, so safe food handling is essential in the summer months. 

“Simple steps like washing your hands, cooking meats thoroughly, and keeping hot foods hot and cold foods cold, can make all the difference in preventing illness,” he says.

Follow these food safety steps every time you prepare a meal: 

⋅ Wash your hands before preparing food and between handling raw and ready-to-eat foods.

⋅ Cook high-risk meats (like chicken, sausages, and mince) thoroughly to 75°C or until juices run clear. 

⋅ Keep hot foods hot (above 60°C) and cold foods cold (below 5°C) until serving.

⋅ Thaw foods in the fridge or microwave – never on the bench.

⋅ Refrigerate leftovers as soon as possible.

⋅ Don’t prepare food for others if you’re unwell. 

Mr Martin says common symptoms of food-borne illness include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps. Most cases can be managed at home with hydration, but seek medical advice if symptoms are severe.