1st February, 2023
Know the effects of extreme heat, who is at risk and how you can prepare yourself and others.
During extreme heat it is easy to become dehydrated or for your body to overheat. If this happens, you may develop heat cramps, heat exhaustion or even heatstroke. Heatstroke is a medical emergency which can result in permanent damage to your vital organs, or even death, if not treated immediately. Extreme heat can also make existing medical conditions worse.
Could you or someone you know be at risk? Extreme heat can affect anybody, however the people most at risk:
- are aged over 65 years, especially those living alone
- have a medical condition such as diabetes, kidney disease or mental illness
- are taking medications that may affect the way the body reacts to heat, such as allergy medicines (antihistamines), blood pressure and heart medicines (betablockers), seizure medicines (anticonvulsants), water pills (diuretics), antidepressants or antipsychotics
- have problematic alcohol or drug use
- have a disability
- have trouble moving around, such as those who are bed bound or in wheelchairs
- are pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers
- are babies and young children
- are overweight or obese
- work or exercise outdoors
- have recently arrived from cooler climates
Below is a link for more information on staying safe in extreme heat:
betterhealth.vic.gov.au - How to cope and stay safe in extreme heat
