One of the most common issues we all can face in a heatwave is a heat-related illness.
Your body has a natural cooling system that is always working to maintain a safe temperature. Sweating helps your body cool down, but when you are exposed to high temperatures and the sun for a long time—working or exercising outdoors, for example—your cooling system has to work harder.
In that situation, your body sends more blood to your skin—and away from your muscles, brain and other organs. That can lead to a heat illness.
Heat Exhaustion
Alcohol can make it harder to regulate body temperature, which increases your risk of heat exhaustion. Warning signs include:
- Heavy sweating
- Weakness or dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
If you experience any of these symptoms, get out of the sun and cool off with damp cloths and cool water. Seek medical care if symptoms continue or worsen and call 911 if you suspect heatstroke.
Heatstroke
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke can look alike, but heatstroke requires immediate medical care. This occurs when your body can no longer control its temperature.
Heatstroke is life-threatening. Call 911 immediately if you or someone you’re with experience any of the following:
- High body temperature (above 103°F)
- Confusion or an altered mental state
- Flushed skin and a lack of sweating despite the heat
- Rapid breathing and racing heartbeat
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
Don't wait for emergency responders to arrive before you:
- Move to a shady area
- Remove extra clothing
- Apply cool water or ice packs
“The main things to remember are to avoid the hottest hours of the day, typically from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,” says Karen Kuehl, MD, an emergency medicine physician at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and a wilderness medicine expert. "Make sure everyone has adequate hydration, especially children and older adults; and know the signs of heat-related illnesses."
And don’t forget your pets! They need the same care and comforts people do on hot days.
Learn more about the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke from the National Weather Service:
