Heatwave health advice for vulnerable patients
23 July 2018
With the heatwave expected to intensify this week, we wanted to remind you of a number of simple precautions to share with your patients, notably vulnerable individuals (e.g. older people, babies and young children, people with a serious chronic condition, people with mobility problems).
- Keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm
- If you have to go out in the heat, wear UV sunglasses, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen of at least SPF15 with UVA protection and wear a hat. Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes
- Avoid extreme physical exertion or limit it to cooler parts of the day
- Children should not take part in vigorous physical activity on very hot days, such as when temperatures are above 30°C
- Have plenty of cold drinks, and avoid excess alcohol, caffeine or drinks high in sugar
- Ensure babies, children or older people are not left alone in stationary cars
- Look out for others: Keep an eye on isolated, older people, ill or very young people and make sure they are able to keep cool. Be alert and call a doctor or social services if someone is unwell or further help is needed
- If you or others feel unwell or experience unusual symptoms, seek medical advice:
- Seek medical advice if you are suffering from a long-term medical condition or taking multiple medications and have unusual symptoms
- If you or others feel dizzy, weak, anxious or have intense thirst and headache, move to a cool place as soon as possible. Drink some water or diluted fruit juice to rehydrate, avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks
- If you or others have painful muscular spasms (particularly in the legs, arms or abdomen), rest immediately in a cool place and drink electrolyte drinks. Most people should start to recover within 30mins and if not, they should seek medical help. Consult your doctor if symptoms persist.
More summer health advice can be found on the NHS Choices website.
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