The Department of Health (DOH) has warned Filipinos anew against health conditions brought about by hot weather and high heat index.
In a Palace briefing, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can affect anyone, but certain populations are more susceptible.
Symptoms include dizziness, fever, numbness, fainting, and warm and reddish skin. “Senior citizens, children and people who are already sick are prone to heat-related illnesses. So, make sure they do not stay in [a] hot environment,” Herbosa said.
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bodies of old people are less efficient at regulating temperature, which include sweating and blood flow to the skin. Moreover, their bodies take more time to adjust to sudden changes in temperature.
Meanwhile, children have a higher metabolism, producing more heat and losing heat quickly. This makes them more prone to dehydration.
Diabetes, heart disease, and obesity can affect a person’s ability to regulate body temperature or respond to heat. Moreover, certain medications could interfere with body temperature regulation and sweat production.
“Heat-related illnesses start with either thirst, severe thirst, you can have a lot of cold sweats. Eventually, if you’re unable to correct that, you will collapse,” Herbosa said.
“If you’re thirsty, drink water. If you feel weak, fatigue is the next step after thirst, heat fatigue or heat weakness, go to a shaded area or an air-conditioned room,” he added.
While heat-related illnesses could lead to an emergency, Herbosa noted that the majority of patients easily recover with prompt and proper treatment.
He advises people to stay indoors from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., drink plenty of water, wear light clothing, and use sunscreen, hats, umbrellas, and fans to avoid heat-related illnesses. (With PNA)