Increased health risks are posed by very high temperatures, especially when the mercury exceeds 40°C. Avoiding sun exposure, adequate hydration, and early recognition of symptoms can prevent serious complications.
The Medical and Public Health Services recommend that citizens monitor the forecasts and official warnings of the Department of Meteorology on a daily basis.
Away from the sun between 11:00 and 17:00
Prolonged exposure to the sun should be avoided, especially during the period 11:00-17:00, when the temperature is at its highest.
Intense physical work, exercise and outdoor activities need to be carried over to the cooler hours of the day. Those who need to be outdoors are asked to stay, as much as possible, in the shade.
Light, comfortable and light-coloured clothing made of natural materials is recommended, as well as a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Water even without feeling thirsty
Frequent fluid consumption is essential throughout the day, even when there is no thirst. Exceptions are those who have received different instructions from their treating physician.
At the same time, excessive consumption of alcohol and drinks with a high caffeine content should be avoided.
In the diet, light and frequent meals are recommended, with an emphasis on fruits and vegetables.
How to keep the house cool
During the heat wave, it is preferable to stay in shady, cool or air-conditioned areas.
To reduce the temperature at home, the following are recommended:
shading of spaces,
natural ventilation during the evening hours,
use a fan or air conditioner, where available.
Beware of vulnerable groups
Special care is needed for the elderly, pregnant women, infants, young children, the chronically ill, those who live alone and people who cannot take care of themselves.
Citizens are encouraged to communicate regularly with elderly relatives, friends and neighbours, checking if they are in a safe and cool environment.
Infants and children should wear light clothing and protect themselves from the heat. No person or pet should be left in a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes.
Food safety at high temperatures
The heat wave also increases the need for proper food management. Products must be kept in the refrigerator at the appropriate temperatures, following the instructions on the packaging.
Food that has been out of the refrigerator for a long time should not be eaten. It is also necessary to strictly observe the rules of hygiene when preparing, cooking and storing them.
Medicines should be stored according to the instructions on their label or packaging.
The first signs of heat exhaustion
Symptoms that may warn that the body is burdened by heat include:
natural ventilation during the evening hours,
use a fan or air conditioner, where available.
Beware of vulnerable groups
Special care is needed for the elderly, pregnant women, infants, young children, the chronically ill, those who live alone and people who cannot take care of themselves.
Citizens are encouraged to communicate regularly with elderly relatives, friends and neighbours, checking if they are in a safe and cool environment.
Infants and children should wear light clothing and protect themselves from the heat. No person or pet should be left in a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes.
Food safety at high temperatures
The heat wave also increases the need for proper food management. Products must be kept in the refrigerator at the appropriate temperatures, following the instructions on the packaging.
Food that has been out of the refrigerator for a long time should not be eaten. It is also necessary to strictly observe the rules of hygiene when preparing, cooking and storing them.
Medicines should be stored according to the instructions on their label or packaging.
The first signs of heat exhaustion
Symptoms that may warn that the body is burdened by heat include:
severe headache;
dry mouth and great thirst,
weakness or severe fatigue,
dizziness or fainting,
heavy sweating with cold and damp skin;
nausea or vomiting,
palpitations or rapid breathing.
If such symptoms appear, the person should be immediately transferred to a cool or shady place. Unnecessary clothing is removed and the body is cooled with water or cool compresses.
Small amounts of cool water can only be given as long as the person remains conscious.
When heat stroke is suspected
Heat stroke is an urgent and life-threatening condition. Warning signs include:
dry mouth and great thirst,
weakness or severe fatigue,
dizziness or fainting,
heavy sweating with cold and damp skin;
nausea or vomiting,
palpitations or rapid breathing.
If such symptoms appear, the person should be immediately transferred to a cool or shady place. Unnecessary clothing is removed and the body is cooled with water or cool compresses.
Small amounts of cool water can only be given as long as the person remains conscious.
When heat stroke is suspected
Heat stroke is an urgent and life-threatening condition. Warning signs include:
body temperature above 40°C,
warm, red and dry skin;
confusion or disorientation;
difficulty speaking,
muscle spasms or seizures,
loss of consciousness or coma.
If symptoms worsen, do not subside, or heat stroke is suspected, an immediate call to 112 or contact a personal doctor is required. Until medical help arrives, the effort to cool the body must continue.
warm, red and dry skin;
confusion or disorientation;
difficulty speaking,
muscle spasms or seizures,
loss of consciousness or coma.
If symptoms worsen, do not subside, or heat stroke is suspected, an immediate call to 112 or contact a personal doctor is required. Until medical help arrives, the effort to cool the body must continue.
