If you or others feel unwell • Try to get help if you feel dizzy, weak, anxious or have intense thirst and headache; move to a cool place as soon as possible and measure your body temperature • Seek medical advice if symptoms persist • Contact your doctor, a pharmacist or NHS 111 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 • If you suspect someone has heatstroke: remember, heatstroke can kill. It can develop very suddenly, and rapidly lead to unconsciousness. If you think someone has heatstroke, call 999 immediately.
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Heatwave
Looking after yourself in hot weather
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Looking after yourself in heatwave For some people, hot weather can cause serious health problems. Those at risk include: • • • • • • • • •
Older people, especially 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 already have a high temperature from an infection People who misuse alcohol or take illicit drugs People with mobility problems People who are physically active, like manual workers and athletes.
Top tips for keeping cool The thing to do is to try and avoid getting too hot in the first place. Here are some tips about keeping yourself and others cool and some advice on what to do if you or someone you know becomes unwell.
Stay out of the heat: • Avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm • Wear sunscreen, walk in the shade and wear a hat and light scarf • Avoid doing anything too physically demanding like sport, gardening or DIY. If you have to do it, keep it for cooler parts of the day, like early morning or evening • Wear loose fitting clothes.
Cool yourself down: • Drink plenty and avoid hot drinks, caffeine and alcohol • Eat cold foods, particularly salads and fruit • Have cold or cool showers or baths • Sprinkle water over the skin or clothing, keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck.
Keep your surroundings cool • Keep windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day, but open at night • Close curtains that are in the sun in the morning or afternoon • Turn off lights and non-essential electrical equipment – they generate heat • Keep indoor plants and bowls of water in the house as evaporation helps cool the air • Move into the coolest room in the house, and sleep there if possible.
Look out for others • Keep an eye on elderly neighbours, ill or the very young and make sure they are able to keep cool • Don’t leave babies, children, or elderly and vulnerable people in a stationary car • Be alert and call a doctor if someone is unwell or if further help is required.
If you have a health condition or problem • Make sure medicines are kept cool or in the refrigerator (read the instructions on the packaging) • Seek medical advice if you are worried.