With an amber heat-health alert in place for the North West until Thursday 25th June, NHS Greater Manchester is urging people to take extra care during the current hot weather and to look out for the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
While many people enjoy warmer weather, high temperatures can quickly become dangerous. Heat can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and can also make existing conditions worse, including heart problems, breathing problems and other serious illnesses.
Those most at risk include older people aged 65 and over, babies and children under five, pregnant women, people with long-term health conditions, people taking certain medicines, those who live alone, people experiencing homelessness, and anyone who works or spends long periods outside.
NHS Greater Manchester is asking people to take simple steps to protect themselves and others:
- drink plenty of fluids and avoid too much alcohol
- keep out of the sun during the hottest part of the day, between 11am and 3pm
- keep homes as cool as possible by closing curtains and windows in rooms facing the sun, then opening windows later when it is cooler
- check on older relatives, neighbours and others who may be more vulnerable in hot weather
- continue taking prescribed medicines and check whether they need to be stored below 25°C or in the fridge
People are also being urged to know the signs of heat-related illness. Symptoms of heat exhaustion can include dizziness, headache, nausea, excessive sweating, cramps and feeling very thirsty. If someone does not improve within 30 minutes after being cooled down and given fluids, or if they develop signs of heatstroke such as confusion, fast breathing, hot skin without sweating, a seizure or loss of consciousness, it is a medical emergency and 999 should be called.
For non-emergency help and advice, people should contact their local pharmacy or use NHS 111 online. Parents and carers of children under five who need urgent advice should call 111.
Dr Manisha Kumar, Chief Clinical Officer for NHS Greater Manchester, said: “Hot weather can affect people’s health far more quickly than many realise, especially older people, babies and young children, pregnant women, and anyone living with heart, lung or other long-term conditions. This is not just about feeling uncomfortable in the heat. High temperatures can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and, in some cases, heatstroke, which is a medical emergency. We are asking people across Greater Manchester to look out for family members, friends and neighbours who may be more at risk, and to act early if someone starts to feel unwell. If you need non-emergency advice, your local pharmacy or NHS 111 can help. If someone shows signs of heatstroke, call 999 immediately.”
For more information on heat exhaustion and heatstroke, visit the NHS website.