The NHS has issued important guidance ahead of next week’s expected heatwave.
The Met Office, in conjunction with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has issued a level 2 heat alert from today (Friday 5 August), with a high probability of heatwave criteria being met between Tuesday and Friday next week.
With temperatures set to rise over the next few days, the NHS has created a video to help share top tips on staying safe in the sun, which can be viewed on YouTube here.
Angela Tranter, Nurse Practitioner in the Black Country, features in the video and said: “As temperatures rise, check on any neighbours that may be vulnerable or friends and family to make sure their houses are nice and cool, if they need help with opening windows, buying fans or anything you can think of.
“The main risks posed by a heatwave are dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, as well as overheating, which can make symptoms worse for people who already have problems with their heart or breathing. Make sure you stay well hydrated with plenty of fluids but avoid alcohol if possible. You also need to avoid any strenuous or extreme activities when it’s hot, such as playing sports.
“If you’re taking a car journey, make sure the car remains well ventilated, and never leave babies, small children or the elderly in cars for long periods of time.
“Try and stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm and look out for any heat related symptoms such as headache, nausea and vomiting. This is a sign that you have had too much sun and could be suffering with heat exhaustion.”
If you, or others, start to feel unwell, move out of the heat immediately and drink some water to rehydrate. If you feel dizzy, weak, or have a headache and intense thirst, visit NHS 111 online or call 111 for more advice.
For more information on how to cope in hot weather, visit www.nhs.uk/heatwave
