(STORY IMAGE:KHQ.COM)
SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. -Sore throat, swollen glands, and extreme headaches. That's what some people say they are experiencing as the wildfires are pushing smoke into our region, creating a thick haze in our skies.
KHQ Local News viewers on Facebook posted quote, "Live right across the street from EWU campus. My throat is raw! My head is pounding!" Another said, "I've got my diffusers and essential oils going all over my house. It smells great. Outside smells like I'm at a campfire."
So what can you do to protect yourself in poor air quality? The Spokane Regional Health District suggests:
-Pay attention to air quality reports
-Use common sense. If it looks and smells smoky outside, it's probably not a good time to go for a jog, mow the lawn or allow children to play outside
-People with asthma or other respiratory or lung conditions should follow their provider's directions on taking medicines
-Paper "comfort" or "dust masks" are not the answer. The kinds of masks that people can commonly buy at the hardware store are designed to trap large particles, like sawdust but they generally will not protect lungs from the fine particles in smoke
Click here to look at the air quality report.