OTHER SCHOOL NEWS
John Petrie
Digital Learning Specialist
And the Winner Is...
Congratulations to Mitch Woods who was voted for the Audience Award in this years Odyssey Geelong Film Festival.
Mitch produced his film depicting the difficulties of isolation and the impacts this can have on a person’s mental health.
Out of over 440 votes Mitch’s film ‘The Crisis’ was chosen by the region as their preferred film.
The Film Festival was open to all public and private schools in Geelong and it is the first time a student from North Geelong Secondary College has won the award.
Well done Mitch!
We wish you all the best for your future in media!
AVOID MISTAKING HAYFEVER AND ASTHMA FOR COVID-19
As Australians approach pollen season, Asthma Australia is urging the one in five Australians who get seasonal allergies, to act now, to avoid experiencing symptoms which could be mistaken for COVID-19.
The health advice comes as Asthma Australia launches its ‘Live Well with Asthma This Spring’ campaign amid rising concerns of how to tell if allergies, asthma or COVID-19 are causing symptoms.
Hay fever is common in people with asthma and symptoms can present like COVID-19 and include a runny nose, blocked sinuses, cough, sneezing, itchy eyes, shortness of breath and fatigue.
Asthma Australia CEO, Michele Goldman, said people can take the worry out of seasonal allergies and asthma by taking preventative action, helping to stop symptoms from coming on.
“If you get on top of your allergies and asthma, you have a clearer picture of any new or worsening symptoms which may be caused by other things, like the COVID-19 virus”, she said.
People with uncontrolled allergies and asthma are more likely to get symptoms and touch their face more frequently due to a runny nose, cough and irritated eyes. This is known to be a way people can be infected by COVID-19.
Asthma preventer medications and nasal steroid sprays are effective in reducing symptoms but do take a few weeks to be fully effective, which is the reason behind Asthma Australia’s early push before the Spring pollen season.
“In a pandemic, if you can prevent sneezing, a runny nose, rubbing your eyes and getting shortness of breath, it will be better for you and those around you,” Ms Goldman said.
To treat hay fever and asthma, people are encouraged to talk with their Pharmacist or their Doctor and arrange a telehealth appointment if presenting with symptoms.
“If you can, it’s advisable to get an allergy test so you can identify exactly what’s ailing you. A written Asthma Action Plan and an Allergic Rhinitis Treatment Plan (hay fever) are both highly important to manage your asthma and allergies”.
Pollen season is already starting in South Australia and Canberra, which may have people “achooing” already. 0Mobile Apps like AusPollen and AirRater are now active and can help people check pollen levels.
Asthma Australia is encouraging people to follow health advice and get tested for COVID-19 if they are presenting with any symptoms that could be linked to the virus.
“Don’t take risks. If you’re unsure, get tested. If you’re treating asthma and allergy regularly and symptoms persist or change, like a new continuous cough or fever, please seek further medical advice,” Ms Goldman said.
For information about managing asthma during Spring, please visit the Asthma Australia website or for help please call 1800 ASTHMA (1800 272 462).
If you think you have symptoms of coronavirus, call the National Hotline on 1800 020 080 or visit www.health.gov.au or your State Government Health Website.
Where to get Tested
If you develop symptoms, however mild, the Australian Government's recommendation is to stay home and get tested.
COVID-19, Barwon Health, Testing locations in Geelong
(as at 07/10/20)
General Practitioners (GPs) are usually the first contact point if you are concerned about COVID-19. You may also call the Department of Health and Human Services hotline available 24/7 on 1800 675 398. If you need a translator first call 131 450, then request the hotline on 1800 675 398.
If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call 000 and ask for an ambulance and tell them if you also have a fever or a cough, sore throat or respiratory illness.
A number of screening services are available in the Geelong region for people with symptoms of COVID-19:of COVID-19:
- Norlane: Barwon Health North
- Belmont: Kardinia Health
- Newcomb: 4Cyte Pathology
- Newtown: Australian Clinical Labs 241 Pakington Street, Newtown Drive through
- Ocean Grove: Bellarine Respiratory Clinic (at Epichealth)
- Torquay: Torquay Community Health Centre
Symptoms of COVID-19 include: fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, chills or sweats, runny nose or loss or change of smell. In certain circumstances headache, muscle soreness, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea may also be considered.
Appointments are required at most centers. You can book an appointment at a screening service by contacting them
- Barwon Health - North Geelong (Drive-through clinic over the age of 12 and in-hospital clinic under the age of 12) Booking required phone: 4215 4445. Corner of Cox Road and Princess Highway, Norlane.
Clinic open: Daily 08.30 - 16.00. Drive through: Daily 10.00-15.30 - 4Cyte Pathology, Newcomb (Drive-through clinic all ages). Referral needed contact your GP - address: 46 Bellarine Highway, Newcomb.
Weekdays: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm - Barwon Health Acute Respiratory Assessment Clinic
Appointments Only
10 am - 6 pm weekdays
10 am - 5 pm weekends
University Hospital Geelong, Building B (Former Geelong Private Building), Bellarine Street, Geelong.
Ph: 4215 4445
You must return home immediately after the test and remain in self-isolation until you receive your test result. Please call the College ASAP with the test result.
For more information visit the Barwon Health Website: https://www.barwonhealth.org.au/coronavirus/where-to-get-tested