Older people, those with long-term health conditions and parents are being urged to take extra precautions during the hot weather to ensure they, or those they care for, do not become seriously unwell.
This follows the UK Health Security Agency issuing a red heat-health alert for East of England which began today at 1am (24 June) and is due to end at 11pm on 25 June.
Clinicians at NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board (ICB) are encouraging people who are at greater risk of harm to take the hot weather seriously and appropriate action to protect themselves and their families.
This comes as NHS services see higher demand, particularly from people suffering from heat-related health problems such as dehydration, heatstroke and sunburn.
People are urged to check in on relatives, friends and neighbours who may be in any of these groups to see how they are coping with the heat and offer to pick up medicines, food or other essentials if they need them.
Dr David Brandon, Deputy Medical Director for NHS Norfolk and Suffolk ICB, said: “Most advice on staying well during hot weather may seem like common sense, but for some people, heat exposure is very serious and can make them very unwell.
“As well as the more general advice we know about staying well in the heat, there are some specific things that older people, people with long-term health conditions and parents of children and babies can do to safeguard themselves.”
Advice for people with long-term health conditions
The heat can affect the symptoms people with long-term health conditions experience and they need to take special care when storing medications to ensure they don’t become ineffective.
- If you have a heart condition, it is important to keep out of the sun, stay hydrated, eat cold foods and avoid too much exertion. When the weather is hot, you sweat to cool down, meaning you lose more fluid than usual. This can lead to a drop in blood pressure, causing your heart to beat faster.
- Very hot weather can affect your blood sugar levels if you live with diabetes. Becoming dehydrated increases the risk of dangerously high blood sugar levels in people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, so it is important to drink plenty of water.
- Some medicines can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight and make you more prone to sunburn, particularly those that suppress the immune system. Your pharmacist will be able to tell you whether the medicines you take may have this effect.
- People who use asthma inhalers should ensure they are not left in direct sunlight or somewhere that could become hot, such as a car glove compartment, as this could prevent them from working properly.
- Some medicines may need to be stored at a stable temperature and should not get too hot. This information should be available on the packaging but, if in doubt, ask your pharmacist.
Advice for older people
Older people, particularly those aged over 75, are more vulnerable to very hot weather than younger people. This is due to a combination of factors, including changes in organ function, a higher likelihood of living with long-term health conditions and taking multiple medicines.
- Make sure you, or your loved ones, have a good supply of food, household essentials and medicines. This can help avoid unnecessary outings during the hottest part of the day (between 11am and 3pm).
- Try to book any essential appointments for the morning or late afternoon. This will help you avoid the hottest part of the day.
- If you are caring for someone with dementia, try to ensure they stay hydrated. You may have noticed that the person you care for forgets or is reluctant to drink. Encourage them to drink regularly, even if it is tea or decaffeinated coffee. Foods with a high water content can also help.
Advice for parents and guardians
For parents and guardians of children and babies, protecting them from the heat is important, especially as they are unable to clearly communicate how they are feeling.
- Babies under six months old should be kept out of direct sunlight. Older infants should also be kept out of the sun as much as possible.
- Make sure older children have a high-factor sun cream applied regularly throughout the day. Do not forget to apply it to the tops of their ears and the backs of their necks. Ensure they wear a T-shirt and sun hat and spend time in the shade.
- Ensure children have plenty to drink. They may be too busy playing and running around to stop for a drink. Water, watered-down fruit juice and the occasional ice lolly can help keep them hydrated.
- Never leave babies or young children in a car during hot weather. Even 20 minutes in a hot car can lead to heatstroke.
If anyone requires urgent health advice for a heat-related illness, or any other health concern, they should use NHS 111 online or call 111 for advice or for signposting to the most appropriate service. Your local pharmacy is also a great source of advice and over-the-counter medicines. In a serious or life-threatening emergency, always call 999 or go to your local A&E.
For tips on how to beat the heat and stay safe in hot weather, visit the UKHSA website.
Information and advice on staying well in hot weather can be found on the NHS website.
For more information and advice to stay well this summer, visit the NHS Norfolk and Suffolk ICB summer webpages.