Hot weather health warning issued for people in the South as Britain set for hottest day of the year
A hot weather warning has been issued for vulnerable people in the south, as Britain is set for its hottest day of the year so far on Wednesday, June 15.
It marks the start of a heatwave with temperatures rising to 34C later in the week.
A level 2 heat-health alert has been issued for a large part of southern and central England by the Met office and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Professor Mike Tipton, University of Portsmouth, said the weather is particularly dangerous for young children and older people over 65.
He said: "When we have a heatwave we see an increase in the number of deaths. So it's excess deaths with are attributable to the heatwave and over the course of the summer there are around about 1,500 to 2,000.
Professor Mike Tipton, University of Portsmouth, outlines the dangers of hot weather for vulnerable people
"The vast majority of those are over the age of 65, which is why the big message is keep and eye on young children and keep and eye on your elderly relatives. Make sure they are out of the sun and stay cool.
"Although the elderly are the higher risk group in terms of death, the biggest load of the national health service will likely be caused by people overexposing to the sun and getting sunburn."
Kent County Council's Public Health team are warning that most heat-related deaths occur in the first two days of a heatwave.
They are offering advice to help people stay safe in soaring temperatures.
KCC Director for Public Health, Anjan Ghosh, said: "We’ve been looking forward to nice weather and it’s quite right that people want to go out and enjoy it but it’s worth remembering that sunny spells and high temperatures can pose serious health risks for some.
"It’s important to protect yourself from too much sun or heat, to carry water when travelling, and it’s equally vital that you look after young children or older people, who may feel the heat more acutely than others."
Professor Mike Tipton added that people can detect early warning signs they have become too hot: "They include obviously thirst, but also things like a very rapid pulse, getting a headache, feeling nauseous, hyperventilation."
Professor Mike Tipton, University of Portsmouth, lists the early warning signs of people who are getting too hot
"These are all signs that you're slipping into the first stages of heat illness."
He recommends people use sunscreen, stay in the shade, keep children out of direct sunlight and avoid fanning yourself because it increases the heat you produce.
He also suggests that elderly people could switch to sleeping downstairs.
Important points to remember in hot weather are to keep cool, stay hydrated and be prepared. Key advice is to:
Look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions.
Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol.
Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.
Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm. Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat if you have to go out in the heat. Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day.
Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
Take care and follow local safety advice if you are going into the water to cool down.
Wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes.
If you are travelling, make sure you take water with you, check weather forecasts and traffic news.
Plan ahead to make sure you have enough supplies, such as water, food and any medications you need.
People are urged not to go to A&E or call 999 unless it’s an emergency. If you are in any doubt, NHS111 can help you get the right treatment.
Dr Navin Kumta, Clinical Chair of NHS Kent and Medway CCG said: “By taking simple precautions, such as staying hydrated and finding shade during the hottest parts of the day, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming ill and needing the services of the NHS.
"Should you become unwell, unless it’s an emergency, please remember to use 111 as your first point of contact for medical support. By phoning 111 or visiting 111.nhs.uk, you will be directed to the right service for you.
You can also visit our dedicated website – www.stopthinkchoose.co.uk – which lists local services, such as pharmacies and urgent treatment centres.”