Heatwave health protection

Overview

Heatwave health protection means taking steps to stay safe and healthy during very hot weather. When temperatures rise too high, your body can struggle to cool down, which can lead to heat-related illnesses.

Yes. Heatwaves happen in many parts of the world during summer, and they are becoming more frequent due to climate change.

Anyone can be affected by extreme heat, but it is especially dangerous for older adults, babies and young children, pregnant women, people with heart or breathing problems, and those who work or exercise outdoors.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Feeling very thirsty
• Heavy sweating
• Headache
• Muscle cramps or spasms
• Feeling faint or dizzy
• Nausea or vomiting

Symptoms in children

• Fussiness or irritability
• Flushed, hot skin
• Rapid breathing or fast heartbeat
• Lack of energy or sleepiness
• Not urinating as often as usual

Symptoms in older adults

• Confusion or disorientation
• Weakness or feeling unsteady
• Dry mouth and eyes
• Dark urine or not urinating much
• Nausea or loss of appetite

Causes

Main causes

• Being in a hot environment for too long, especially during the hottest part of the day
• Not drinking enough water (dehydration)
• Direct sunlight on the head and body

Risk factors

• Age – being very young or very old
• Being overweight or having a high body mass index (BMI)
• Having a long-term condition such as heart disease, diabetes, or lung problems
• Taking certain medicines that affect how your body controls temperature (for example, some blood pressure pills or antidepressants)
• Living in a home without air conditioning or in a top-floor flat
• Drinking alcohol or too much caffeine on a hot day

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you or someone else shows signs of heatstroke (hot dry skin, confusion, loss of consciousness) – call emergency services immediately.
• If heat exhaustion symptoms (dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating) do not get better after 30 minutes of cooling and drinking fluids.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have mild heat cramps that keep coming back.
• If you develop a heat rash that is very itchy or does not go away after a few days of staying cool.

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose heat-related illnesses by asking about your symptoms and recent activities, checking your body temperature, and examining your skin and heart rate.

Tests that may be done

• Temperature check (often with a special thermometer)
• Blood tests to check for dehydration or organ stress
• Urine tests to see how well your kidneys are working

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will ask about how long you were in the heat, what you were doing, and if you have any health conditions. They may measure your pulse and blood pressure. Treatment usually starts right away – cooling you down and giving fluids.

Treatment

The main goal is to cool your body down and replace lost fluids. Most cases can be managed at home, but severe heatstroke needs hospital care.

Self-care at home

• Move to a cool, shaded, or air-conditioned place right away.
• Lie down and raise your feet slightly.
• Drink cool water or a rehydration drink (but not very cold water if you feel sick).
• Apply cool, wet cloths to your skin, especially on your head, neck, armpits, and groin.
• Take a cool shower or bath if you are able.
• Loosen or remove extra clothing.

Medical treatments

In a hospital or clinic, doctors may give you fluids through a drip (intravenous fluids) to rehydrate you quickly. They might use cooling blankets, ice packs, or a cool mist spray to lower your body temperature. They will also monitor your vital signs like heart rate and blood pressure until you are stable.

Living with this condition

During a heatwave, plan your day to avoid the hottest hours (usually 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Stay indoors in a cool room, use fans or air conditioning, and close curtains during the day. Check on elderly neighbours or relatives regularly.

Lifestyle tips

• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing.
• Use a hat and sunglasses if you need to go outside.
• Take cool showers or baths regularly.
• Stay in the shade as much as possible.
• Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.

Diet and exercise

Eat light, cool meals – like salads and fruit. Avoid heavy, hot foods. Drink small amounts of water often, even if you do not feel thirsty. Limit or avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks. If you exercise, do it early in the morning or late in the evening when it is cooler.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Extreme heat can make people feel irritable, anxious, or stressed. It can also make it harder to sleep, which affects your mood. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to a friend or family member. Try to stay cool and take breaks.

Prevention

Yes, with careful planning and awareness. During hot weather, following simple steps – like staying hydrated, keeping your home cool, and avoiding the midday sun – can prevent most heat-related health problems.

Complications

If left untreated

• Heat exhaustion can turn into heatstroke, which is life-threatening.
• Severe dehydration can damage the kidneys.
• Heat can make chronic conditions like heart disease or asthma worse.
• In extreme cases, heatstroke can lead to organ failure or death.

Long-term outlook

With prompt action – cooling down and rehydrating – most people recover fully from heat-related illnesses. Heatstroke is serious, but quick emergency treatment greatly improves the chances of a full recovery. The key is to take warnings seriously and act early.

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