Know the signs and what to do if someone is unwell in hot weather.
New Delhi, India Jun 22, 2026 ALN: During hot weather, it can be easy to overheat, sometimes resulting in heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
Heat exhaustion is not usually serious as long as you can cool yourself down - but heatstroke is a medical emergency which requires immediate treatment. Understanding these conditions is vital, especially as climate change continues to raise global temperatures, leading to more frequent heatwaves and prolonged periods of extreme heat. As we face more extreme temperatures, the risk of heat-related illnesses is heightened, making awareness and preparedness essential.
Some groups, including older adults, young children, and people with long-term health conditions, can be particularly at risk. Vulnerable populations may not be able to recognize the early signs of heat-related illnesses or may have difficulty taking the necessary steps to cool down. As such, it is crucial for caregivers, family members, and friends to remain vigilant during hot weather. Recognizing who is at risk can help in providing timely assistance and ensuring that preventive measures are taken.
Heat exhaustion happens when your body becomes too hot and struggles to regulate its temperature. This condition is often a precursor to heatstroke, which is more severe and life-threatening. Understanding the signs and symptoms of each condition can be critical in preventing escalation from one to the other.
An obvious sign of heat exhaustion is excessive sweating, as well as feeling very hot and unwell - which is your body's way of warning you to cool down, fast. Other symptoms include:
Young children, who might not be able to articulate how they are feeling, may become floppy and sleepy. This lack of communication can make it more challenging for caregivers to identify when a child is suffering from heat exhaustion. Parents and guardians should be particularly attentive to changes in behavior or energy levels in children during hot weather.
Heat exhaustion can affect anyone, including fit and healthy people - especially if they have done strenuous exercise in high temperatures or have been drinking alcohol in the sun all day. It can come on quickly, over minutes, or gradually, over hours. Some medicines can also make it harder to regulate your temperature, or mean you are more likely to burn in the sun, feel dizzy, or become dehydrated. For instance, medications for high blood pressure or certain antidepressants can impact the body's ability to manage heat. This highlights the importance of understanding personal health conditions and their implications during extreme weather.
Heat exhaustion can turn into heatstroke, which is a medical emergency. It means your body can no longer manage the heat, and your core temperature is rising too high. You should get urgent medical help if heatstroke is suspected. The signs to watch for and quickly act on include:
Recognizing these symptoms early is crucial, as heatstroke can lead to severe complications such as organ failure, brain damage, or even death if not treated promptly. The physiological mechanisms that lead to heatstroke involve the failure of the body's thermoregulation system, leading to a cascade of metabolic disturbances. Understanding these mechanisms can help in appreciating the urgency of the situation.
If someone has heat exhaustion:
It is important to stay with them until they are better. They should start to cool down and feel better within 30 minutes. If they do not improve after 30 minutes of rest, and you think they may have heatstroke, you should get urgent medical help. Call 999 immediately. Prompt action can be the difference between recovery and severe health complications.
In addition to these immediate actions, prevention is key when it comes to heat-related illnesses. Staying hydrated, wearing appropriate clothing, and avoiding strenuous activity during peak heat hours can significantly reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Those who work outdoors or engage in physical activities during hot weather should be especially cautious and take regular breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas. Employers should consider implementing policies that promote safe working conditions during extreme heat.
Public health campaigns often emphasize the importance of recognizing the signs of heat-related illnesses, especially during summer months. Local governments and health organizations may provide resources and guidelines to help educate the public on how to stay safe during extreme heat events. Schools, workplaces, and community centers can also play a vital role in disseminating information and ensuring that vulnerable individuals are monitored during heatwaves. Community engagement in these campaigns can foster a culture of safety and awareness.
As climate change continues to influence weather patterns, the frequency and intensity of heatwaves are expected to increase. This makes it even more critical for individuals and communities to be prepared for extreme heat conditions. By understanding the risks associated with heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and knowing how to respond effectively, we can help protect ourselves and others from the potentially life-threatening consequences of overheating. Collective awareness and action can lead to a healthier society, better equipped to handle the challenges posed by rising global temperatures.
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