The Ministry of Health has issued an emergency circular to protect citizens from the heat wave that is sweeping the country this three-day period, as temperatures are expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius.
As the circular states, since Sunday in many areas of the country the mercury exceeded 40 degrees Celsius, resulting in a particularly suffocating and unpleasant atmosphere, making the need for proper information and guidance of the public in the context of Public Health immediate.
In this context, the circular is issued with the aim of informing and raising the awareness of professionals and competent bodies of the state in taking measures to protect the public.
And given the prolonged heat, the Ministry of Health calls on citizens to take the necessary protective measures and issued a detailed circular with instructions to prevent the effects of particularly high temperatures.
The circular of the Ministry of Health on the heat wave
Heat protection instructions
On the occasion of the heat wave, the Hellenic Pulmonology Association (HPA) reminds the basic measures to protect against high temperatures, pointing out that, despite the fact that extreme heat events are frequent in our country, dozens of cases of heatstroke that lead to hospitalization are still recorded every year.
The EPE emphasizes that the correct information and the timely taking of preventive measures are of crucial importance for the protection of health, especially of vulnerable groups of the population.
What is heatwave?
The heat wave is the period of summer when the temperature is much higher than average. The existence of increased levels of humidity makes high temperatures more dangerous for our body.
What diseases are caused by exposure to high temperatures in the heat?
The high temperatures of the heat wave mainly cause two diseases: sunburn (thermal exhaustion) and heat stroke.
Our body, in order to function properly, must maintain a constant temperature inside. In cases where it increases, it tries to eliminate the excess heat mainly with sweat. However, when the environment is too hot, this mechanism is not sufficient to reduce the temperature of our body. Raising our body temperature can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs.
Who are most at risk?
The elderly, young children and those suffering from chronic cardiovascular or respiratory diseases (such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) are more at risk from the increased temperature. Even younger people can be at risk when they play sports or do vigorous physical work during a hot summer, drink alcohol, don’t protect themselves from the sun, and don’t drink enough fluids.
When is the risk of heatstroke increased?
- When there are elevated humidity levels.
- When we play sports or perform some intense physical work during the hot season.
- By drinking alcohol
- With the use of drugs that cause fluid loss, e.g. diuretics.
- When we don’t take in enough fluids.
- When there is obesity.
- When there are cardiac or respiratory problems.
What is sunburn (heat exhaustion) and what is heatstroke?
Exposure to high heat temperatures can lead to sunburn and heat stroke.
During sunbathing, the rise in body temperature and the loss of fluids and electrolytes leads to the following symptoms:
- Intense malaise and weakness
- Fainting tendencies – hypotension
- Headache, dizziness
- Muscle cramps
- Intense thirst
- Sweating with possibly cold skin
- Tachycardia
If the symptoms of heatstroke are not treated quickly, then heatstroke can occur in which there is additionally:
- Loss of consciousness-confusion and disorientation
- Large increase in body temperature (≥40 to 41°C)
Ways to protect from the heat
The best way to protect yourself from the heat is to stay up-to-date and follow the guidelines below:
- Avoid exposure to elevated temperatures (eg outdoors or sunbathing) and stay in cool and air-conditioned places.
- Avoid crowded places.
- Postpone work or exercise outdoors.
- Reduce unnecessary travel for work or leisure.
- Wear comfortable, light, light-colored clothing and use a hat and sunglasses.
- Make sure you are adequately hydrated before leaving home or work and drink plenty of fluids (water and fruit juices) while outdoors.
- Avoid alcohol and heavy meals.
- Make sure your diet consists of light and small meals, fruits and vegetables. Avoid fatty foods.
- If you feel the slightest discomfort, immediately seek an air-conditioned area, drink plenty of fluids and if possible take a warm shower. Otherwise, apply wet pads to the head and neck.
- If you suffer from chronic cardiovascular or respiratory diseases, be extra careful during the hot season and follow your doctor’s instructions closely. Consult him for possible additional special instructions during the heat season.
- Protect young children and the elderly by moving them to cool and air-conditioned areas. Make sure they are supervised during the heat wave.
- If you know that there are elderly people living alone in neighboring apartments or houses, make sure that there is communication and that they are provided with the necessary heat protection measures. Your interest may save a life.
Are patients with respiratory problems at extra risk in heat?
Patients with respiratory problems, such as asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, are at extra risk during the hot season. For this reason they should follow the general protection instructions, take their daily treatment and have been given clear instructions in case they develop symptoms such as shortness of breath and coughing.
Source: Lifo
