Due to the high temperatures experienced today, the Medical Services and Public Health Services of the Ministry of Health remind the public of the following:
General precautionary instructions
Avoiding frequent exposure to the sun, unnecessary traffic and heavy physical exercise or physical work
Dress lightly in loose light-colored clothing and wear a hat and sunglasses if exposed to the sun
Avoiding alcoholic beverages and caffeinated beverages. It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids (water and fruit juices)
Light, small meals, low in fat, with an emphasis on fruit and vegetable intake are recommended
Using fans or air conditioning systems to create a draft, especially during the hottest hours of the day
Particular attention should be paid to vulnerable population groups such as infants, the elderly and pregnant women. If there is a newborn at home, ask the pediatrician for instructions on fluid intake
People suffering from chronic diseases, such as respiratory or cardiovascular diseases, should consult their doctor about any special measures they should take
Never leave babies, the elderly, pets in a closed car.
Who are most at risk?
Infants, young children and the elderly (especially the elderly who live alone and do not have someone to help them on hot days)
People who work or exercise vigorously outdoors and indoors with high temperature and humidity
Those in areas with increased air pollution (industrial areas – exhaust gases)
People suffering from chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, blood pressure disorders, cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases, lung diseases, obesity, mental diseases, dementia, alcoholism)
People taking certain medications (eg insulin, antidiabetics, diuretics, anticholinergics, antipsychotics)
Women during pregnancy
Disabled
Socially isolated people.
Symptoms from high temperatures
Initial symptoms may be:
severe headache
weakness
feeling of payment
tendency to faint
drop in blood pressure
motion sickness
vomiting
tachycardia
Heatstroke syndrome is manifested by:
sudden increase in body temperature (>40.5oC)
red, hot and dry skin (sweating has stopped)
dry tongue
tachycardia
tachypnea
intense thirst
headache
motion sickness
vomiting
dizziness
inability to orient and speak clearly
aggressive or strange behavior
convulsions
loss of consciousness or coma.
In case the above symptoms occur, citizens are advised to contact their personal physician.
