How to prevent heat-related illnesses!

9th December 2025

Comments are off for this post

Webmaintainer

The arrival of summer brings long, hot days outside. But as temperatures and humidity go up, so does the risk of heat-related illnesses.

To have a safe and healthy summer, make sure you know how to prevent, recognise and treat heat-related illnesses.

What is heat-related illnesses?

Your body naturally regulates its temperature when it gets too hot, for example when you sweat. But, if you spend too much time in the heat without taking in enough fluids, your body’s cooling system can’t work properly. Your body will become dehydrated, which means it can no longer cool itself by sweating. When this happens, your body’s temperature can rise high enough to make you sick.

Follow these first aid tips to protect your family:

Heat-related illnesses	Symptoms	First aid – What to do
Sunburn	Red, swollen, painful skin Blisters Fever Headache	Take a shower, using soap, to remove oils that may block pores, preventing your body from cooling naturally. For blisters, put on dry, clean dressings and get medical attention.
Heat cramps	Minor form of heat illness Painful legs and stomach cramps Sweating a lot Red and moist skin	Move to a cool place and rest. Take off extra clothing. Put cool cloths on the skin. Drink cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Stretch cramped muscles slowly and gently.
Heat exhaustion	More serious than heat cramps Muscle cramps Pale and moist skin Fever over 34°C Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea Headache Feeling tired and weak	Move to a cool place and rest. Take off extra clothing. Put cool cloths on the skin. Drink cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. If the patient doesn’t feel better, take them to the nearest emergency rooms.
Heat stroke (Sun stroke)	Most severe form of heat illness Body temperature is more than 40°C Warm and dry skin Heart beats fast No appetite Nausea Vomiting Headache Feeling confused Feeling anxious	Move to a cool place and rest. Take off extra clothing. Wet skin with cool water. Put ice bags under the armpits. Give the patient cool liquids to drink. Heat stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency and needs to be treated by a doctor.