When the body is exposed to high temperatures, the body cools itself by sweating, but when the body is exposed to a very high temperature, the body is unable to cool itself properly, which leads to the occurrence of injuries related to hyperthermia (such as: muscle cramps, heat exhaustion, and stroke).
Most vulnerable groups:
- Children.
- The elderly.
- Patients with chronic diseases.
- Those with mental illnesses.
However, young, and healthy people can become infected if they engage in strenuous physical activity during hot weather.
Risk factors:
- Exposure to high levels of humidity.
- Obesity.
- Fever.
- Drought.
- Poor circulation.
- Drug abuse and alcohol use.
- Take some medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants, diuretics, and some medications used to treat high blood pressure.
Injuries resulting from high temperatures:
- Heat stress.
- Sunstroke.
- Skin rash.
- Muscle spasms.
- Sunburn
Protection:
When the temperature is very high, you should not go outside if possible, and stay in the house and air-conditioned areas. If there is a need to go out, the necessary precautions must be taken as follows:
- Drink enough water throughout the day, where dehydration and mineral deficiency causes heat-related injuries.
- Do physical activity early in the day before the weather gets hot.
- Reducing caffeine-containing drinks (such as: tea, coffee, etc.).
- Do not stay or leave the child inside the car in very hot weather.
- Avoid eating hot and heavy meals so that the body temperature does not increase.
- When feeling the symptoms of heat cramps or heat stress, the body must be cooled immediately to avoid heatstroke.
Ways to cool the body:
- Spray the body with cold water, then sit in front of the fan.
- Move to a shaded area or go to an air-conditioned building or car.
- Take a cold shower or immerse yourself in a bathtub.
- Drink enough water.
- Take off any excess clothing.
- Apply cold compresses to the neck and armpits.