HSE advises people to take care during prolonged warm spell

Met Éireann has advised that daytime temperatures will widely exceed 25°C, with values climbing to the high 20s or low 30s in places from today (Friday). High to very high UV levels, warm and humid nights, and the possibility of thunderstorms are also forecast.
While many people enjoy warm weather, hot conditions can increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, heatstroke and sunburn. Some people are more vulnerable to the effects of heat, including older people, infants and young children, pregnant women, people with long-term medical conditions, people with disabilities, and those who work or exercise outdoors.
Dr Caitriona Kelly, consultant in public health medicine, HSE National Health Protection Office, said: “High temperatures can cause people to become very sick. We are urging people to keep cool and stay hydrated during the hot weather. This is especially important for older people, young children, pregnant women and those with chronic medical conditions.” The HSE recommends that everyone:

• • Drink plenty of water regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid excessive alcohol, which can contribute to dehydration.
  • Stay out of direct sun during the hottest part of the day, particularly between 11am and 3pm, where possible.
  • Keep your home cool by closing curtains or blinds in sunny rooms during the day and opening windows when it is cooler in the evening.
  • Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Check in on older relatives, neighbours and anyone who may be vulnerable during hot weather.
  • Never leave babies, children or pets alone in a parked vehicle, even for a short time.
  • Be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion, including dizziness, headache, nausea, excessive sweating, muscle cramps and weakness.
  • If you have a medical condition or take regular medication, and you are unsure whether hot weather may affect you, contact your GP, pharmacist or healthcare professional for advice.

Stay SunSmart

Even on days that do not feel exceptionally hot, ultraviolet radiation can damage the skin. The HSE encourages everyone to follow the SunSmart message:

• • Slip on clothing that covers your skin.
  • Slop on broad-spectrum sunscreen, SPF 30+ for adults and SPF 50+ for children, applying it generously and reapplying every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
  • Slap on a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Seek shade, particularly between 11am and 3pm.
  • Slide on sunglasses that provide UV protection.
  • Take extra care with babies and young children, whose skin burns much more easily than adults. Babies should be kept out of direct sunlight.

Watch out for the early signs of heat exhaustion, which are:

• • Excessive sweating;
  • Dizziness;
  • Headache;
  • Muscle cramps;
  • Nausea; and
  • Fatigue or weakness

If someone has symptoms of heat exhaustion, move them to a cooler place, encourage them to drink fluids, loosen clothing, and cool them with water, fans or cool cloths. Heat exhaustion is not usually serious if the person cools down within 30 minutes, but if it develops into heatstroke it should be treated as an emergency.