Seasonal health: how to cope in hot weather

Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it’s too hot, there are health risks. During heatwaves, more people than usual get seriously ill. Make sure hot weather does not harm you or anyone you know.

Why is a heatwave a problem?

The main risks posed by a heatwave are: 

— not drinking enough water (dehydration) 
— overheating, which can make symptoms worse for people who already have problems with their heart or breathing
— heat exhaustion and heatstroke

Who’s most at risk?

A heatwave can affect anyone, but the most vulnerable people are:

— older people – especially those over 75 and female
— those who live on their own or in a care home
— people who have a serious or long-term illness including heart or lung conditions, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease or some mental health conditions
— people who are on multiple medicines that may make them more likely to be badly affected by hot weather
— those who may find it hard to keep cool – babies and the very young, the bed bound, those with drug or alcohol addictions or with Alzheimer’s disease
— people who spend a lot of time outside or in hot places – those who live in a top-floor flat, the homeless or those whose jobs are outside