Heat stroke: Symptoms and treatment

Heat stroke prevention

Of course, it’s always best to prevent heat stroke in the first place by being aware of heatwave warnings and then:

• Keeping out of the sun between 11am and 3pm
• If you have to go out in high temperatures take precautions like wearing loose fitting cool clothes and drinking extra fluids - before increasing liquid intake check with your doctor if you have epilepsy or heart, kidney or liver disease, are on fluid-restricted diets, or have a problem with fluid retention
• Avoiding extreme physical exertion when working outdoors or exercising. If possible, re-arrange your day to make the most of the time when it’s coolest - either early morning or after sunset.
• Trying to keep your home cool by pulling curtains during the day, avoiding rooms that face south and using fans, open a window at night.
• Keep indoor plants and bowls of water in the house as evaporation helps cool the air

Try to keep yourself cool with cold non-caffeinated drinks and cold foods with a high water content. Take cool showers or baths, or sprinkle cold water over your skin and clothing or keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck.