Dealing with extremely hot weather: Avoiding heat exhaustion and heat stroke

Dealing with extremely hot weather: Avoiding heat exhaustion and heat stroke

https://www.goodtogoinsurance.com/travel-advice/health-abroad/extreme-heat

Tips for coping in hot weather

• Shut windows and pull down the shades when it is hotter outside. If it's safe, open them for ventilation when it is cooler.
• Avoid the heat: stay out of the sun and don't go out between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day) if you're vulnerable to the effects of heat.
• Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water.
• Drink cold drinks regularly, such as water and fruit juice. Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol.
• If you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat.
• Don't leave anyone in a parked car.
• Avoid extreme physical exertion.
• Sprinkle water over your skin or clothing, or keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck.

The difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke

• Heat exhaustion is when the temperature inside the body rises above the normal 37°C, but remains lower than 40°C. 
• This causes levels of water and salt in the body to fall and can make you feel sick, faint or sweat heavily. 
•  once taken to a cool place and given water, a person with heat exhaustion should start feeling better within half an hour.
• If left untreated a person with heat exhaustion could develop heat stroke
• Heat stroke means that the body can longer cool itself and starts to overheat. 
• Heat stroke untreated can lead to organ failure, brain damage and even death. 
• Heat stroke should be treated as a medical emergency.