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Heat-related illness occurs when the body gains heat more quickly than it can cool off.
Some types of heat-related illness, such as heat stroke (sun stroke), are a medical emergency. If someone has heat stroke symptoms, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number and start emergency first aid for heatstroke. These symptoms include:
- hot, dry, red skin
- confusion, restlessness, or anxiety
- loss of consciousness
- seizures
- trouble breathing
- severe vomiting
- diarrhea
Find more information on heat-related illness. There are many different types of heat-related illness, including:
While heat-related illness may happen to anyone especially during a heat wave, certain people are at higher risk, including:
- seniors
- infants and young children
- pregnant women
- people with certain medical conditions – for example, diabetes, cancer, and heart failure
- people taking certain medications – for example, antidepressants, or medications for Parkinson’s disease
- people who exercise in hot conditions or summer heat
- people who work in hot environments, such as laundries, boiler rooms, bakeries, or outdoor worksites
People with heat-related illness may experience a variety of symptoms, including:
- heavy sweating or pale, cool skin
- dry, hot, and red skin in later stages of heat stroke
- headache
- muscle cramps
- rash
- swelling of hands or feet
- dizziness and/or fainting
- fatigue and weakness
- nausea or vomiting
- high body temperature
- confusion or hallucinations
- shortness of breath
- seizures
- loss of consciousness
Many types of heat-related illness can be treated at home by the following means:
- moving to a cooler place such as a shady or air-conditioned area
- drinking plenty of cool fluids, but not fluids containing alcohol, and avoid caffeine
- removing unnecessary clothing
- taking a cool shower or bath
- getting some rest
Contact a doctor if symptoms last longer than an hour or get worse.
To reduce the risk of heat-related illness:
- Drink plenty of non-alcoholic, caffeine-free fluids. Alcohol and caffeinated beverages can actually dehydrate the body, which can often cause or worsen a heat-related illness.
- If possible, avoid strenuous work or exercise when in a hot environment.
- Protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 30, staying in the shade, and wearing loose-fitting, lightweight clothes.
- Never leave infants, children, or pets alone in a parked car. On a hot day, temperatures can reach dangerous levels very quickly and lead to serious illness for the child or pet.
- If you have a family member, friend, or neighbour who is at risk of heat-related illness (see above), check on them regularly during heat waves or summer heat.
For information on heat-related illness and other health topics, see these topics:
If you have questions about a health concern or when to see a doctor, you can:
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