HSE Dublin and South East advises public to take precautions during period of hot weather

The HSE is reminding people to take steps to protect their health during the current period of hot weather following a Status Yellow High Temperature Warning issued by Met Éireann.

High temperatures can affect anyone, but some people are more vulnerable to the effects of heat, including older people, infants and young children, people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, and those who work or spend long periods outdoors. Heat can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

How to stay safe during hot weather

Keep cool

• Avoid spending long periods outdoors during the hottest part of the day (11am to 3pm)
• Stay in the shade whenever possible
• Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes
• Minimise unnecessary heating - turn off central heating, electrical equipment and lights that are not needed
• Keep your home cool by closing curtains or blinds during the day and opening windows when temperatures are cooler in the evening and overnight
• Dampening your skin with a wet cloth or wet towel may help to keep you cool

Stay hydrated

• Drink water regularly throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty
• Avoid alcoholic drinks, which can also cause dehydration
• Check that older adults and young children are drinking enough fluids
• Aim for pale-coloured pee as a sign of good hydration
• Babies under 6 months should continue to receive breast milk or infant formula as their source of fluids. Babies over 6 months may be offered water in addition to their usual milk feeds. Make sure they are having plenty of wet nappies.
• Oral rehydration sachets may be helpful if you are feel symptoms of dehydration – talk to your pharmacist about how best to use them

Dr Jacinta Mulroe, Department of Public Health, HSE Dublin and South East, advised: “High temperatures can make people seriously ill. HSE Dublin and South East is encouraging people to keep cool and stay hydrated in this hot weather. This is particularly important for older adults, young children, and those living with long term health conditions.”

Stay sun safe and be SunSmart

• Slip on clothing: Cover skin as much as possible, wear long sleeves.
• Slop on sunscreen. Apply a generous amount of sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30+ for adults and 50+ for children that has a high UVA protection and is water resistant. Reapply every 2 hours, more frequently after swimming or sweating.
• Slap on a wide-brimmed hat. Protect your face, ears and neck. Baseball caps do not provide enough protection.
• Seek shade - especially if outdoors between 11am and 3pm - and always use a sunshade on a child’s buggy. Keep babies out of direct sunlight.
• Slide on sunglasses. Guard your eyes from harm by wearing sunglasses with UV protection.

As well as the 5 S’s it is important to remember do not deliberately try to get a suntan and avoid getting a sunburn. For more information: www.hse.ie/sunsmart

Look out for others

Check in on relative, neighbours and friends who may be more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, particularly those who live alone.

Extra care may be needed for:

• Older people
• Infants and young children
• People with heart, lung, kidney or other chronic illnesses
• People with dementia
• People experiencing homelessness
• Outdoor workers and those involved in strenuous physical activity

Water safety

Hot weather often leads to increased use of beaches, lakes and rivers. The public is reminded to follow local water safety advice and to take appropriate precautions when swimming or doing water-based activities. More information at: https://watersafety.ie/advice/

Know the signs of heat-related illness

Early signs of heat exhaustion may include:

• Excessive sweating
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea
• Fatigue

Seek urgent medical attention if someone develops signs of heatstroke, including:

• Confusion or altered behaviour
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Very high body temperature
• Hot, dry skin / No longer sweating

Anyone who is concerned about their health, should contact their GP or seek medical advice.

For more information on staying safe during hot weather, visit the HPSC website https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/environmentandhealth/heat/