HSE Issues Public Health Advice During Hot Weather

The HSE is reminding the public to take steps to protect their health during the current period of hot weather, following a Status Yellow High Temperature Warning issued by Met Éireann.

High temperatures can affect anyone, but some people are more vulnerable to the effects of heat, including older people, infants and young children, people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, and those who work or spend long periods outdoors. Heat can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Keeping Cool

The HSE advises people to avoid spending long periods outdoors during the hottest part of the day, between 11am and 3pm, and to stay in the shade whenever possible. Light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes are recommended, and people are advised to minimise unnecessary heating by turning off central heating, electrical equipment and lights that are not needed.

To keep the home cool, curtains or blinds should be kept closed during the day, with windows opened when temperatures fall in the evening and overnight. Dampening the skin with a wet cloth or wet towel may also help.

Staying Hydrated

People are advised to drink water regularly throughout the day, even if they do not feel thirsty, and to avoid alcoholic drinks, which can also cause dehydration. Older adults and young children should be checked to ensure they are drinking enough fluids, with pale-coloured pee cited as a sign of good hydration.

Babies under six months should continue to receive breast milk or infant formula as their source of fluids. Babies over six months may be offered water in addition to their usual milk feeds, and parents are advised to ensure they are having plenty of wet nappies. Oral rehydration sachets may be helpful for those experiencing symptoms of dehydration; people are advised to speak to their pharmacist for guidance.

Dr Caitriona Kelly, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, HSE National Health Protection Office, said:

"High temperatures can cause people to become very sick. We are urging people to keep cool and stay hydrated during the hot weather. This is especially important for older people, young children and those with chronic medical conditions".

Being SunSmart

The HSE is reminding people to follow its SunSmart guidance, built around five key actions. People are advised to slip on clothing that covers as much skin as possible, including long sleeves; to slop on a generous amount of sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30+ for adults and 50+ for children, ensuring it has high UVA protection and is water resistant, reapplying every two hours and more frequently after swimming or sweating; and to slap on a wide-brimmed hat to protect the face, ears and neck, as baseball caps do not provide sufficient protection.

People are also urged to seek shade, particularly between 11am and 3pm, to always use a sunshade on a child's buggy, and to keep babies out of direct sunlight. The fifth action is to slide on sunglasses with UV protection to guard the eyes from harm. The HSE also advises people not to deliberately try to get a suntan and to avoid sunburn. Further information is available at www.hse.ie/sunsmart.

Looking Out for Others

The HSE is encouraging people to check in on relatives, neighbours and friends who may be more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, particularly those who live alone. Extra care may be needed for older people, infants and young children, people with heart, lung, kidney or other chronic illnesses, people with dementia, people experiencing homelessness, and outdoor workers and those involved in strenuous physical activity.

Dr Caitriona Kelly added:

"If you are caring for someone, they may not have a sense of how much they're drinking. To help them, make sure they drink during mealtimes. You could even make drinking a social thing, like "having a cup of tea" or offer them food with a high-water content. Fruits like melon, ice lollies, or jelly all have a high-water content."

Water Safety

Hot weather often leads to increased use of beaches, lakes and rivers. The public is reminded to follow local water safety advice and to take appropriate precautions when swimming or doing water-based activities. Further information is available at watersafety.ie.

Recognising Heat-Related Illness

The HSE advises that early signs of heat exhaustion may include excessive sweating, dizziness, headache, muscle cramps, nausea and fatigue.

Urgent medical attention should be sought if someone develops signs of heatstroke, including confusion or altered behaviour, loss of consciousness, seizures, a very high body temperature, or hot, dry skin and no longer sweating.

Anyone concerned about their health should contact their GP or seek medical advice. Further information on staying safe during hot weather is available on the HPSC website at hpsc.ie.