In the UK it can often take a while for what feels like summer to get started, as temperatures are typically on the lower end of the spectrum. So when the weather does actually get hot it is welcomed by many of us.
And while there is a lot to enjoy about warm temperatures, it is still vital to be wary of some of the risks they carry.
As parts of the UK have seen their hottest day yet this week, with some areas reaching 32C, the NHS has urged people to avoid heatstroke.
It is not that uncommon to experience heat exhaustion when temperatures become high.
This can lead to dizziness, tiredness, excessive sweating and a headache among other symptoms.
Although this is unpleasant, the symptoms are nothing to worry about if you manage to cool down quickly.
According to the NHS, it typically takes about 30 minutes to cool down from heat exhaustion.
But if it continues, it can become heatstroke – something that does require medical attention.
Key signs of heat exhaustion include:
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Feeling sick or being sick
- Excessive sweating and skin becoming pale and clammy or getting a heat rash, but a change in skin colour can be harder to see on brown and black skin
- Cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
- Fast breathing or heartbeat
- A high temperature
- Being very thirsty
- Weakness.
If someone has heat exhaustion, you should:
- Move them to a cool place
- Remove all unnecessary clothing like a jacket or socks
- Get them to drink a sports or rehydration drink, or cool water
- Cool their skin – spray or sponge them with cool water and fan them. Cold packs, wrapped in a cloth and put under the armpits or on the neck are good too
- Stay with them until they’re better.
“They should start to cool down and feel better within 30 minutes,” the NHS says.
If they don’t start to recover within 30 minutes, the NHS advises calling 999.
According to the health body, you should call 999 “now” if you or someone else have signs of heatstroke, including:
- Still being unwell after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place, being cooled and drinking fluids
- A very high temperature
- Hot skin that’s not sweating and might look red (this can be harder to see on brown and black skin)
- A fast heartbeat
- Fast breathing or shortness of breath
- Confusion and lack of coordination
- A seizure or fit
- Loss of consciousness.
It adds: “Put the person in the recovery position if they lose consciousness while you’re waiting for help.”
There are steps you can take to prevent heat exhaustion in the first place.
To help prevent heat exhaustion or heatstroke:
- Drink more cold drinks, especially if you’re active or exercising
- Wear light-coloured, loose clothing
- Avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm
- Avoid excess alcohol
- Avoid extreme exercise
- If you’re inside on a very hot day, close curtains, close windows if it’s hotter outside than in your home and turn off electrical equipment and lights that get hot.
Children, older people and people with long-term health conditions (such as diabetes or heart problems) are more at risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
