As the state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) officially declared the start of the warm and dry season in the Philippines last week, all of us are at risk of heat exhaustion due to the very hot or humid weather.
According to the Department of Health (DOH), heat exhaustion may start with the signs of warm and flushed skin, faintness or dizziness, weakness, and headache.
DOH warned that heat exhaustion may progress to a heat stroke. Common signs and symptoms of heat stroke are very high fever, convulsion, delirium, hot and dry skin, rapid heartbeat, and unconsciousness.
To prevent experiencing these, here are some tips you need to remember as per the health department's bulletin:
- Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water
- Avoid drinking flavored beverages such as tea, coffee, soda, and alcohol
- Try to spend as little time as possible outside, especially when it is blazing hot
- When you are outdoors, wear a wide-brimmed hat or a long-sleeved top
- Do strenuous activities in the morning or evening when it's cooler
In case you witness someone experiencing heat exhaustion, the DOH advises doing the following measures:
- Take the person indoors or to a shaded area, and have them lie down with their legs raised
- If they’re conscious, have them drink cold water
- Remove their clothes then apply cold water to their skin and fan them
- Apply ice packs to their body parts like armpits, wrists, ankles, and groin
After taking these measures, immediately rush the person to a nearby hospital.
