Prolonged exposure to hot weather particularly excessively high temperatures and humidity or engaging in strenuous activities can lead to life-threatening heat-related illnesses. Just like with exposure to cold weather, young children and the elderly face the highest risk. Nevertheless, anyone can yield to exposure to extreme heat.
Common hot weather health issues
Heat stroke
Heat stroke develops once the body loses its capability to control the internal temperature. The sweating mechanism ceases to function and the body temperature spikes rapidly as high as 106 degrees F or higher.
What are the indications?
- Warm skin with lack of sweating
- High body temperature
- Dizziness
If the individual experiences nausea, vomiting or becomes unconscious, do not provide any fluids. - Headache
- Rapid pulse rate
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
As a medical emergency, it is vital to seek immediate medical care while efforts are taken to cool down the individual. These measures include moving him/her to a shaded area and reducing the body temperature using cool water that is applied using wet sheets or towels or a sponge.
Make sure that the temperature of the individual is monitored until the medical team arrives on the scene. If the individual experiences nausea, vomiting or becomes unconscious, do not provide any fluids.
Heat exhaustion
This is a mild heat-related illness than heat stroke. It develops in a slow manner and can occur after several days of prolonged heat exposure and poor replacement of fluids.
What are the indications?
- Dizziness
- Profuse sweating
- Weakness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Muscle cramps
If the condition is not treated, it can progress to heat stroke. If the individual has a heart issue or the symptoms are severe, call for emergency assistance while cooling efforts are started.
The body should be cooled similar to heat stroke and provide cool, non-alcoholic beverages. In case the symptoms last longer than an hour, seek medical care.
Safety measures during hot weather
- Check the weather report for any heat advisories. It is best to stay indoors, ideally with air conditioning during the afternoon when the temperatures are at its peak. Individuals older than 65 must be monitored since they are at high risk for hot weather issues.
- Dress appropriately for the weather using light-colored, lightweight, loose clothes. Make sure that the skin is covered using the right clothing along with an umbrella or hat. Do not forget to apply a sunscreen with SPF of at least 15 and continue with the application based on the product directions.
- Stick with lighter meals since heavy meals can increase the body temperature.
- Any strenuous activities outdoors must be done during the cool morning hours.
- An individual should not wait until he/she feels thirsty to drink. The fluid intake must be increased even if inactive. When playing or working outdoors, the consumption of fluids must be increased as well.