A flood situation presents a unique set of challenges to people, but in any natural disaster or major emergency, it is important to look after your health first.
Goulburn Valley Public Health Unit’s Clinical Director, Dr Will Cross, explained floods carried increased opportunities for injury and illness both before and after the incident has subsided.
“People should regularly check on people who live alone, or with a pre-existing medical condition or who require support for daily living. Take a moment to check on your loved ones, friends or family,” he said.
Floodwaters present an immediate threat to safety, including hidden hazards like sharp objects and strong or unexpected currents that increase the danger of drowning. Being wet or cold for prolonged periods from entering floodwater can cause hypothermia, which requires medical attention and can be fatal.
Floodwater can also be contaminated with bacteria that can cause skin and gastrointestinal infections which can make people very sick, especially young children or the elderly.
Dr Cross explained those who had pre-existing medical conditions needed to take extra care in flood situations, as it may be harder to seek regular treatment or emergency care.
“People should continue to seek regular management of their pre-existing medical conditions, including receiving their regular medical care and taking their regular medications,” he said, adding they need to ensure their medications are stored correctly and people should not use their medications if they’ve been in contact with floodwaters.
“Where access to GPs or local pharmacies is safe, people should call ahead to make sure that the practice is operating and regular appointments continue to operate or that their required medications are in stock.”
Once the water levels go down, the risks have not gone away. Water quality may be affected, power and gas supplies might not be operating and mosquitoes will be more active.
Dr Cross explained these risks could be mitigated by acting on the side of caution, where possible, to stay healthy.
“Be aware of the safety of local drinking water and drink sealed bottled water if in doubt. You should also avoid eating food stored in refrigerators that have lost power, as perishable food can begin to spoil after just four hours without power,” he said.
“As floodwaters subside, they’ll create a large breeding habitat for mosquitoes. Take normal precautions to protect yourself and your family against mosquito bites over the coming months, as they carry a range of diseases they can pass on through their bites.
“We recommend that if you are over 50 and eligible for vaccination against Japanese encephalitis you come forward to be vaccinated at one of the pop-up clinics or (at a) Jabba the Bus visit in your local area.”
However, it is not just about staying physically healthy; people can have a range of mental and emotional responses in an emergency and their mental health can take a hit.
“People can react differently depending on many things, including the existing support they have around them, other stressful factors at the time, or previous traumatic experiences,” he said.
Reaching out to friends, family and neighbours can be beneficial for mutual support, or people can get in contact with their doctor or community health centre to seek assistance.
“Recovery will always be complex and unique to individual circumstances. There are some important things to remember with relation to mental health in and around emergencies like floods.”
If you are isolated, and do not have adequate food, water and medications, contact VICSES on 132 500.
Everyone near or in a flood event should stay informed and regularly monitor local conditions via the VICSES website, app and social media channels, or their local council’s website and social media.
For enquiries about vaccination, contact the Goulburn Valley Public Health Unit by phoning 1800 313 070 or at phu@gvhealth.org.au or visit http://www.gvhealth.org.au/covid-19/vaxbus/
Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs are available to help anyone who is feeling overwhelmed or having a difficult time. A telehealth appointment can be booked by calling 1300 375 330 (9am to 10pm weekdays and 9am to 5pm weekends).
If at any time you are worried about your mental health or the mental health of a loved one, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
In a life-threatening emergency, call 000.