The Department of Health (DOH) issued a public advisory on Monday urging people to exercise extra caution as the country experiences intense heat.
Citing PAGASA's report that Metro Manila and other provinces may face a "danger" heat index, Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo, spokesperson for the DOH, said that such temperatures could lead to heat cramps and heat exhaustion, which have symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, headaches, nausea, and fainting.
"Ang matagal na pagkakalantad sa init ay nagpapataas ng posibilidad ng heat stroke, isang seryosong kondisyon na may pagkawala ng malay, pagkalito, o kaya ay mga seizure/kombulsyon, na maaaring nakamamatay kung hindi ginagamot," Domingo said.
If any of these symptoms are noticed, the public is advised to take the following first-aid steps:
- Move the person to a shaded, cool area and adjust the ventilation.
- Remove the person's outer clothing.
- Apply a cold compress, ice pack, cool water, or a cold, damp cloth to the skin, especially on the head, face, neck, armpits, wrists, ankles, and groin.
- If the patient is conscious, encourage frequent but slow sips of cold water.
Contact emergency services or immediately bring the person to the hospital. - The public is also advised to regularly monitor reports from PAGASA and take preventive measures against heat-related illnesses.
The following are ways to avoid such conditions:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid iced tea, soda, coffee, or alcoholic beverages.
- Limit time spent outdoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Use sun protection, such as hats, umbrellas, and sunscreen. Wear loose and light clothing.
"Kaya nating iwasan ang mga heat illnesses o sakit ng init. Alamin mula sa PAGASA ang heat index. Pagibayuhin ang pag-ingat, lalo na kapag ang heat index ay 33 Celsius na," said Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa.
"Kapag umabot o lumampas na ng 42 Celsius ang heat index, 'danger' na yan - dalasan ang pag-inom ng malinis na tubig, at umiwas sa araw mula 10am hanggang 4pm," he added.
