High temperatures increase risk of heat-related illness

Jul 25, 2022 | 1:17 PM

Interior Health is warning people that the rising temperatures increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Heat warnings have been issued for much of the province, including in Vernon, where the mercury is set to reach as high as 38 Celsius on Thursday.

With local daytime highs in the mid- to upper-30s for the coming days, Interior Health (IH) advises people to take action to protect themselves from heat-related illness, particularly the most vulnerable people such as seniors, those who live alone, people with pre-existing health conditions or mobility issues, people with mental illnesses or substance-use disorders, people who work in hot environments, people who are pregnant, and infants and young children.

IH advised people make sure they have working fans and air conditioners in their homes; seek out cool environments, such as libraries and community centres, especially during the hottest parts of the day; and block out the sun from directly hitting windows.

People are advised to create a heat plan to protect themselves and their loved ones from heat-related illnesses. People are also advised to check in on those who are most vulnerable.

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In order to avoid heat-related illness, people are urged to stay hydrated; take it easy during the hottest part of the day; stay in the shade; take action to cool down if overheating, such as taking a cool shower or applying a cool wet cloth on the forehead and back of neck.

High temperatures can result in people suffering from heat stroke. Symptoms include loss of consciousness, disorientation, confusion, severe nausea or vomiting, and/or very dark urine or no urine. Anyone suffering from heat stroke should seek immediate medical attention.

The heat can also trigger other issues in people with existing health complications, and anyone whose conditions significantly worsen during the heat wave is advised to seek medical attention.

IH noted that the rising mercury can also lead to heat exhaustion, symptoms of which include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, severe headache and dark urine. People suffering heat exhaustion are advised to seek a cool environment and drink plenty of water, noting that medical attention may not be needed for these instances.

In order to not put too much strain on the health-care system, people are advised to only call 911 in the event of an extreme situation. In other, less serious cases, people can call HealthLinkBC at 811 to speak with a nurse, or can go to an urgent care centre or clinic. There are also online tools at the HealthLinkBC’s website for people to use to check symptoms.

by Liam Verster

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