Bushfire and Your Health
Understanding risks, short-term effects, and how your GP helps you plan
Why bushfires matter for health
Bushfires affect health well beyond the fire front. Smoke, heat, disrupted routines, evacuation stress, and power outages influence how your body and mind cope day to day. Even people far from flames may experience health effects through air quality changes and ongoing uncertainty. Understanding these impacts supports earlier, calmer responses.
Smoke exposure and breathing
Bushfire smoke contains fine particles and gases that irritate the airways. Many people notice sore eyes, throat irritation, cough, headaches, or chest tightness. People with asthma, chronic lung disease, heart disease, pregnancy, and older age often feel effects sooner and more strongly. Repeated exposure can worsen existing conditions and reduce exercise tolerance, even after the smoke clears.
Heat, dehydration, and physical strain
Fire seasons often coincide with extreme heat. Heat places stress on the heart, kidneys, and nervous system, and it affects sleep, concentration, and medication balance. Dehydration develops quickly in hot, smoky conditions, especially when daily routines change. Children and older adults rely on others to manage safe hydration and cooling.
Infection risk and general health
Smoke and stress can weaken the body’s usual defences for a period of time. Crowded evacuation centres, disrupted hygiene, and reduced access to usual care increase the chance of respiratory infections and gastroenteritis. Skin irritation and eye inflammation also become more common during prolonged smoke events.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Bushfires affect emotional health before, during, and after events. Fear, uncertainty, sleep disruption, and constant alertness strain mental wellbeing. Even without property loss, people may experience anxiety, low mood, irritability, or difficulty concentrating. Recovery often takes longer than expected, and emotional responses vary widely between individuals.
Who needs extra care
People living with chronic illness, disability, pregnancy, caring responsibilities, or limited housing quality often face higher health impact. Outdoor workers and emergency responders experience repeated exposure. Children may show distress through behaviour or sleep changes rather than words, while older adults may under-report symptoms.
How your GP supports preparedness and recovery
A GP helps translate broad bushfire advice into personal health planning. This may include asthma action plans, medication reviews during heat and smoke, advice on masks and indoor air quality, hydration strategies, sleep support, and mental health check-ins. After events, a GP also supports recovery, monitors lingering symptoms, and coordinates referrals when needed.
When to seek a GP review
Arrange a GP review if breathing symptoms persist, chest pain occurs, heat intolerance worsens, sleep remains disrupted, infections recur, or emotional distress interferes with daily life. Early review supports recovery and reduces longer-term health effects.
This article provides general health information only and does not replace medical advice. Please speak with your GP for personalised care.