Heatwave General Information

Heat-related illnesses and deaths are preventable yet annually many people succumb to extreme heat due to a variety of factors.

People suffer heat-related illness when the body becomes unable to compensate and properly cool itself.  The body normally cools itself by sweating. However, under some conditions, such as when there is high humidity or extreme heat, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly. Other conditions that can limit the ability to regulate temperature include old age, youth (age 0-4), obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and prescription drug use and alcohol use.

In these cases, body temperature rises rapidly. Very high body temperatures may potentially damage the brain or other vital organs. In extreme cases, excess heat can lead to heat stroke, which can be fatal.

In periods of extreme heat everyone should remember the needs of friends, relatives and neighbours who could be at risk in hot weather. It is important for parents and those providing care to the elderly to be vigilant and take prompt action if they suspect in those they are caring for are suffering from the heat - heat exhaustion and heatstroke can develop without warning and both require urgent treatment.

The main risks posed by a heatwave are:

• Dehydration - Not having enough water
• Overheating - Can make symptoms worse for people who already have problems with their heart or breathing. 
  Heat exhaustion.
• Heatstroke - Can make people very ill and can sometimes be fatal.

A heatwave can affect anyone, but the most vulnerable people are:

• Older people, especially over 75.
• Babies and young children.
• People with a serious chronic condition, especially heart or breathing problems.
• People with mobility problems, for example people who have Parkinson's disease or who have had a stroke.
• People with serious mental health problems.
• People on certain medications, including those that affect sweating and temperature control.
• People who misuse alcohol or drugs.
• People who are physically active, for example labourers or those doing sports.

Top tips for coping during a heat wave include:

• Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves.
• Shut and shade windows when it is hotter outside and open them for ventilation when it is cooler outside.
• If you are vulnerable to the effects of heat, avoid going out between 11am-3pm.
• Drink cold drinks like water or fruit juice regularly and avoid tea, coffee and alcohol.
• Stay tuned to the weather forecast and plan ahead with supplies.
• Keep plenty of water to hand and stay in the shade where possible.
• Identify the coolest room in the house to use as a room to cool down or sleep in.
• When going out, wear light clothing and never leave any persons, especially infants or young children, or animals in a closed, parked vehicle.
• Listen out for information on the radio or TV.

To learn more, call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or visit the NHS Direct

You can get advice on protecting your skin during the hot weather from the Cancer Research UK SunSmart site campaign website.