Australians are being urged to remain alert to the potential for heat-related deaths and illnesses as parts of the country face a scorching heatwave this week.
Temperatures are forecast to rise into the 40s in at least four states, increasing the risk of heat stress on the body.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) is predicting days of extreme conditions as a band of intense heat moves from west to east across the southern half of Australia.
Extreme conditions are expected to be recorded for south-east Australia on Wednesday and as winds increase later in the week, high to extreme fire danger is expected for much of South Australia and Victoria.
BoM predicts temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius in NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.
How does heat affect your body?
We will often sweat as our bodies try to cool down. But this can also cause fluid and salt loss, which in turn can lead to dehydration and heat exhaustion, with symptoms such as:
— Heavy sweating
— Dizziness
— Headache
— Fainting
— Fatigue and weakness
— Nausea and vomiting
The heart also has to work harder to keep blood flowing as the body tries to cool itself, which can increase the risk of heart attack, especially in people with underlying cardiovascular disease.
“If there are underlying health conditions, these can worsen and get worse,” said Eilish Maguire, a senior resilience officer with the Australian Red Cross Emergency Services.
“And some medications can affect the way people regulate their body temperature.”
Maguire said if heat exhaustion is not treated, it can lead to diabetes heat stroke — a life-threatening illness with symptoms such as a rapid pulse and rapid, shallow breathing; intense thirst; nausea or vomiting; and loss of consciousness or seizures.
If you suspect you or someone else is having heatstroke, call triple-zero immediately.
While you wait for help, the federal government’s Healthdirect website recommends trying to lower their – or your – temperature, for example by moving to a cool, shady place, placing cooling packs under the armpits and gently spraying or sponging the body with cool water.
Who is most at risk – and how you can protect yourself
When it comes to regular warmer weather, the most vulnerable groups are people who are socially isolated, those who are pregnant, ill or living with a disability, young children or anyone who does not have access to adequate cooling or shelter.
But anyone, even people without underlying health conditions, can suffer the effects of extreme heat.
“As we see these extreme heat waves, which we will see in several places across the country this week, even healthy, fit young people are at increased risk, especially if they are working outside or exercising or even going to the beach to cool off,” Maguire said.
“If they don’t take adequate precautions, their risk will increase.”
Maguire recommended stocking up on food, water and medicine before the heat wave so you don’t have to go outside as much.
Don’t go outside or do strenuous activities during the hottest time of the day, the World Health Organization (WHO) advises.
Try to keep your home cool, for example by using a combination of electric fans and air conditioning.
However, if you only have fans, only use them at temperatures below 40 degrees Celsius. Otherwise, they can increase heat stress, the WHO says.
Opening windows at night, when the outside temperature is lower than inside, can also be an effective cooling tactic.
The WHO also recommends drinking water regularly and taking cool showers or baths.
If you think you are suffering from heat exhaustion, health authorities recommend lying down in a cool place, sipping water slowly, using a cold compress, or taking a cool shower or bath.
#reality #virtually #Australian #escape #heat #wave #hits