When the temperature rises too high, your health is jeopardized. If you don’t know how to stay cool in a heatwave and your body temperature rises to a dangerous level, your heart’s circulatory system may become overworked, and other vital organs may suffer long-term damage.

If heat stress or heat exhaustion is not properly treated and your body temperature rises above 40.5C, your internal systems may begin to shut down and you may suffer from a heat stroke, which can be fatal in extreme cases.

Who is at risk?

Young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and workers who spend long periods of time working in direct sunlight are more likely to suffer from heat stress and, as a result, a heat stroke (if heat stress is not treated immediately). People with certain health issues, such as heart disease, and those taking certain medications to treat allergies, depression, and high blood pressure, are also at risk if they are exposed to the sun for extended periods of time.

Warning signs of heat stress:

Some early signs of heat stress are:

Thirst
Extreme sweating
Weakness
Headache
Nausea
Dizziness
Irritability
Cold and clammy skin

Warning signs of heat stroke: Check list

Dry skin, with no sweating
High body temperature
Staggering
Confusion
Delirium
Seizures
Unconsciousness/coma

How to prevent heat stress and heat stroke:

1.Try to stay out of the sun

The more you are out in the sun, the more exposed you will be. If you do have to be out in the sun, wear sunscreen, a hat/cap and sunglasses.

2.Drink water

Drink lots and lots of water, even if you aren’t thirsty. If you feel thirsty, it means you are already getting dehydrated. Avoid fizzy drinks, tea, coffee and alcohol as these will only dehydrate you.

3.Take a shower

If you are feeling hot, flushed or flustered, a cold shower will help.

4.Wear loose clothing

Tight fighting clothes will make you feel more uncomfortable in the heat. It’s much better to wear light, airy and loose clothing to allow the air to circulate and this will keep your body cool. Light colours are better because they reflect the sunlight and, consequently, the heat.

5.Keep your home or office cool

Turn on the air conditioning or put on the fan and keep the blinds and curtains drawn to keep out excessive sunlight during the day hours.

6.Keep your pets hydrated

Make sure your pets are given enough water during the day time so they don’t get dehydrated.

What to do when someone has heat stress: Check list

If you are someone around you is suffering from heat stress, the following measures will help to lower body temperature.

Stay in a shaded and cool area
Drink plenty of water
Remove extra layers of clothing and loosen all others
Place cold compresses or ice packs on different parts of the body to lower body temperature

In case, none of the above measures help, there is risk of a heatstroke. Immediately call 999 or seek immediate medical intervention.