Keeping cool in a heatwave
In one hot spell in August 2003 in England, deaths in those aged 75 and over rose by 60%, with approximately 2000 total extra deaths than would normally be expected.
There is lots of information on the NHS Choices website about
staying safe in extreme weather.
NHS Choices website -
heatwave information
Danger symptoms to watch out for in hot weather include: feeling
faint and dizzy, short of breath, vomiting or increasing
confusion.
Many prescription medicines can reduce your tolerance of heat.
You should keep taking your medicines, but take extra care to keep
cool.
Take immediate action if danger symptoms of heatstroke are
present:
- Cool down as quickly as possible (see the advice below).
- Do not take aspirin or paracetamol - this can make you worse.
Please note: do carry on taking all other prescribed
medicines.
- Seek advice from NHS Direct, a doctor, or ring 999 if the
person has collapsed.
If you, or somebody you know, find your home to be uncomfortably
hot and you have concerns about it affecting yours or someone
else's health, seek medical advice about the person and from the
environmental health department within your local authority about
the home.
Who is at risk?
The heat can affect anyone, but some people run a greater risk
of serious harm. These include:
- Older people and those over 75.
- Babies and young children.
- People with serious mental health problems.
- People on certain medication.
- People with a serious chronic condition, particularly breathing
or heart problems.
- People who misuse alcohol or take illicit drugs.
- People with mobility problems.
- People who are physically active
What should you do to stay cool?
Mostly, it's a matter of common sense. Listen to your local
weather forecast so you know if a heatwave is on the way. Plan
ahead to reduce the risk of ill health from the heat. It is
best for your health to avoid getting too hot in the first place.
Below are some tips for keeping cool:
Keep out of the heat
- If a heatwave is forecast, try and plan your day in a way that
allows you to stay out of the heat. If you can, avoid
going out in the hottest part of the day (11am - 3pm).
- If you can't avoid strenuous outdoor activity, like sport, DIY
or gardening, keep it for cooler parts of the day, like early
morning or evening.
- If you must go out, stay in the shade. Wear a hat and light,
loosefitting clothes, preferably cotton. If you will be outside for
some time, take plenty of water with you.
Stay cool
- A loose, cotton, damp cloth or scarf on the back of the neck,
or spraying or splashing your face and the back of your neck with
cold water several times a day can help keep you cool.
- Stay inside, in the coolest rooms in your home, as much as
possible.
- Reduce heat from sunlight coming through the windows. External
shading, e.g. shutters, is best. Metal blinds and dark curtains may
absorb heat and make the room warmer - it is best to use pale
curtains or reflective material.
- Keep windows closed while the room is cooler than it is
outside. Open them when the temperature inside rises, and at night
for ventilation. If you are worried about security, open
windows on the first floor and above.
- Indoor and outdoor plants will help keep your home cool due to
evaporation and the shading from trees/bushes.
- Take cool showers or baths.
- Drink regularly - even if you do not feel thirsty, water or
fruit juice are best.
- Have plenty of cold drinks, avoid excess alcohol, caffeine and
hot drinks
- Eat light meals with a higher proportion of vegetables. Try to
eat more cold food, particularly salads and fruit, which contain
water.
Seek advice if you have any concerns
Contact your doctor, a pharmacist or the NHS 111 Service
(call 111 on your phone) if you are worried about your health
during a heatwave, especially if you are taking medication, if you
feel unwell or have any unusual symptoms.
Watch for cramp in your arms, legs or stomach, feelings of mild
confusion, weakness or problems sleeping. If you have these
symptoms, rest for several hours, keep cool and drink water or
fruit juice. Seek medical advice if they get worse or don't go
away.
Remember, heatstroke can kill. It can develop very
suddenly, and rapidly lead to unconsciousness. If you suspect
someone has heatstroke, call 999 immediately.
Helping others
If anyone you know is likely to be at risk during a heatwave
help them get the advice and support they need. Older people living
on their own should be visited daily to check they're OK.
If you have to call an ambulance
If you have to call an ambulance because someone is affected by
the heat:
- If possible, move the person somewhere cooler.
- Increase ventilation by opening windows or using a fan.
- Cool them down as quickly as possibly by loosening their
clothes, sprinkling them with cold water or wrapping them in a damp
sheet.
- If they are conscious, give them water/fruit juice to
drink.
- Do not give them aspirin or paracetamol.
Further information
Visit the NHS Summer Health
website
Visit Age UK's 'staying cool in a
heatwave page'
Click here to visit the
Met Office Heat Health Watch page and view any high temperature
health warnings
You can get advice on protecting your skin during hot weather
from the SunSmart website
You can also download our Keeping Cool poster and
our Advice on Helping Others to
Keep Cool poster to
display in your office, establishment, community centre etc.
Contact your doctor, a pharmacist or the NHS 111 Service (call 111 on your phone) if you are worried about your health during a heatwave