How to prevent heat stroke in high temperatures

Updated: 2022-06-29

Heat waves sweep across some regions lately, and sensitive groups need to take some protective measures. The most direct effect of high temperatures on people is heatstroke. According to its varying degrees, heatstroke is categorized into heat cramp, heat exhaustion and thermoplegia.

Heat cramp

Symptoms: Muscle pain mostly in the legs, arms or abdomen, which often occurs after continuous exercise.

Measures: Take a rest in a cool place immediately, drink enough water or electrolyte beverages, stretch muscles and massage gently. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist for more than an hour.

Heat exhaustion

Symptoms: Pale face, sweating, rapid heart rate, weakness, muscle spasm, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, but normal mental state.

Measures: Move the patient to a cool place to lie down, take off his or her coat and cool the body down with a wet towel or water, and seek medical treatment.

Thermoplegia

Symptoms: Dry skin without sweat, changing mental state, convulsive headache, nausea, dizziness or vertigo, body temperature reaching 41 ℃ or higher, and losing consciousness in serious cases.

Measures: Move the patient to a cool place to lie down, take off his or her coat and cool the body down with a wet towel or water, and call an ambulance immediately.

During hot weather, people can take the following measures to prevent heat-related diseases:

1.Stay in an air-conditioned room. If you don't have one at home, you can cool off in nearby cinemas, theaters, libraries, shopping malls and other air-conditioned public places.

2.Carry enough drinking water and stay in the shade as much as possible when going out. Wear light-colored and breathable clothes and use sunshades to keep away from direct sunlight.

3.Use curtains to block strong sunlight during the day, and open doors and windows to keep cool at night.

4.Wipe with a wet towel or take a shower to lower your body temperature.

5.Take care of children and seniors and do not leave them alone in a closed car.

6.Avoid hard physical work, such as exercising or working outdoors.

7.Avoid sharp temperature changes, such as moving from a high-temperature outdoor environment to a low-temperature and air-conditioned environment immediately.

8.Drink water from time to time and do not wait to drink water until you are very thirsty. If you have a disease and need to control water intake, consult your doctor about the amount of water you should drink in hot weather. Avoid caffeinated, alcoholic and sugary beverages, which can cause dehydration.

9.Pay attention to weather forecasts and warnings of high temperature in advance.

10.Keep in touch with relatives, friends or neighbors who live alone, to make sure they are in good health during hot weather.

High-temperature weather in China refers to days when the highest temperature reaches above 35 ℃. Due to the diversity of climate types in China, people’s tolerance to high temperature may vary in different regions. Therefore, it is necessary to further define the high-temperature threshold in different places based on scientific research so as to take protective measures suitable to local conditions.

How to prevent heat stroke in high temperatures

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