As the mercury rises across the State, the Health Department on Sunday issued an advisory including precautions, signs to look out for and dos and donts to follow during the summer season. 

For the general public, the advisory suggests being hydrated, wearing loose cotton clothes, using hats, umbrellas and traveling during the cooler times of the day (morning and evening) rather than in the hotter hours of the afternoon (12 p.m. to 3 p.m.). 

“Normal human body temperature ranges between 97.5-degrees Fahrenheit to 98.9-degrees Fahrenheit. Exposure to high outdoor and indoor temperatures can induce heat stress, directly and indirectly, leading to heat-related illnesses. Heat-related illnesses include heat rash, heat oedema, heat cramps, heat tetany, heat syncope, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stress may also exacerbate chronic diseases like cardiovascular, respiratory and kidney diseases,” the advisory says.  

The advisory also says that heat-related illnesses are preventable. It also says that if anyone feels unwell and experiencing any symptoms of extreme heat, then they should move to a cool place and drink liquids. If someone experiences muscular spasms, then they should rest and hydrate with ORS and get sufficient medical attention. However, a heat stroke is a medical emergency. 

The department has also identified infants and young children, pregnant women, those working outdoors, people with physical (especially high blood pressure and heart disease) and mental illnesses and those travelling from cooler to hotter climates. 

“If such persons are visiting during a heatwave, they should allow a week’s time for their bodies to acclimatise to the heat and should drink plenty of water. Acclimatisation is achieved by gradual increase in exposure/physical activity in hot environment,” the advisory states.

It also offers specific guidelines for employers which include providing cool drinking water and shade and taking other necessary precautions for the safety of employees.