Heat-related illness can become serious or even deadly.
The body cools itself by sweating. If temperatures and humidity are extremely high, sweating is not effective in cooling the body. If the body does not cool properly, a person may suffer a heat-related illness.
Anyone can suffer from heat illness, but some people are at greater risk. Infants, young children, and people 65 or older are at greater risk. People with mental illness, physically ill or have a condition like heart disease or high blood pressure are also at higher risk.
To prevent heat illness and stay cool, it is important to drink more fluids. It is important to drink water before you feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Drink a minimum of six to eight glasses of water per day. During heavy exercise, drink two to four glasses of water each hour.
Make sure you wear lightweight, light-colored and loose clothing. When outdoors, avoid direct sunlight. You should wear a hat and use sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15. Never leave anyone, including pets, inside a parked, closed vehicle. Air temperatures rise rapidly during hot weather. This can lead to serious injury or death.
Stay indoors if you can. If possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to a public place that does. Examples are churches, shopping malls, the local YMCA or other community centers.
If you must go outside, slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must exert yourself, do it early in the morning or later in the evening. It is usually cooler then. Take regular breaks. Rest is a shady or cool area.
Prolonged exposure to heat causes heat stroke. There are several symptoms of heat stroke. They include: headache, skin hot to touch, and red, dry skin. Someone with heat stroke has a body temperature of 105 degrees or more. A person could lose consciousness, have seizures, or an irregular heartbeat.
If you are someone you are with is suffering heat stroke, call 911. Quickly cool the person in a cool bath. Or wrap wet sheets around them. Heat stroke may cause someone may refuse water, vomit or show a decreased level of consciousness. If so, do not give them anything to eat or drink.
Heat exhaustion it another heat-related illness. Heat exhaustion can occur either indoors or outdoors. It can happen with or without exercise. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, cool and clammy skin, and nausea. Other symptoms are heavy sweating and muscle cramping.
To treat heat exhaustion, move the person to a cooler place. You should remove or loosen tight clothes. Also, apply cool, wet cloths. Provide cool water and encourage the person suffering from heat illness to drink slowly.
If you are unsure if you have heat illness, call your Primary Care Provider at your medical home. If you don't know who your PCP is, call Illinois Health Connect at 1-877-912-1999. This call is free.
Source: Illinois Department of Public Health
