Most of us enjoy sunny weather, but extreme heat can seriously
damage your health. During a heatwave, when temperatures stay
really high day after day, it can sometimes be fatal.
In a severe heatwave you may get dehydrated and your body may
overheat. If you already have a heart or respiratory problem, this
may make your symptoms worse. Additionally, it can cause heat
exhaustion or heatstroke. Keeping yourself cool will reduce the
risk of illness. If you start to feel unwell, it is important to
seek medical advice as soon as possible.
The symptoms of heat exhaustion include headaches, dizziness,
nausea and vomiting, muscle weakness or cramps, pale skin, and a
high temperature. You should move somewhere cool and drink plenty
of water or fruit juice. If you can, take a lukewarm shower, or
sponge yourself down with cold water.
Heatstroke can develop if heat exhaustion is left untreated, but
it can also occur suddenly and without warning. Symptoms include
headaches, nausea, an intense thirst, sleepiness, hot, red and dry
skin, a sudden rise in temperature, confusion, aggression,
convulsions and loss of consciousness. Heatstroke can result in
irreversible damage to your body, including the brain, or
death.