Advice during the current hot weather

During the current hot weather over this week and into the weekend, we are asking people to please use NHS services wisely and help keep our emergency departments free to treat people with life threatening illnesses.

If you are unwell and unsure where to go visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111 – this service will provide advice and direct you to the best place for the care you need. We’d also suggest treating minor conditions at home – your local pharmacist can offer advice.

We have well-rehearsed plans for these type of weather events, and we’re working closely with our health and care partners across Somerset as part of our standard health heat plan.

More information:

Stay out of the heat

• Keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm
• If you must go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat and light scarf
• Avoid extreme physical exertion
• Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes.

Cool yourself down

• Have plenty of cold drinks, and avoid excess alcohol, caffeine, and hot
• drinks
• Eat cold foods, particularly salads and fruit with a high-water content
• Take a cool shower, bath, or body wash
• Sprinkle water over the skin or clothing or keep a damp cloth on the back of
• your neck.

Keep your environment cool

• Keeping your living space cool is especially important for infants, the elderly or those with chronic health conditions or who cannot look after themselves.
• Place a thermometer in your main living room and bedroom to keep a check on the temperature
• Keep windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day, and open windows at night when the temperature has dropped
• Close curtains that receive morning or afternoon sun, however, care should be taken with metal blinds and dark curtains, as these can absorb heat – consider replacing or putting reflective material in-between them and the window space
• Turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment – they generate heat.
• Keep indoor plants and bowls of water in the house as evaporation helps cool the air
• If possible, move into a cooler room, especially for sleeping.
• Electric fans may provide some relief if temperatures are below 35°C.

Use of fans

• At temperatures above 35°C fans may not prevent heat related illness. Additionally, fans can cause excess dehydration (Cochrane Review). The advice is to place the fan at a certain distance from people, not aiming it directly on the body and to have regular drinks. This is especially important in the case of sick people confined to bed.

Longer-term

• Consider putting up external shading outside windows
• Use pale, reflective external paints
• Have your loft and cavity walls insulated – this keeps the heat in when it is cold and out when it is hot
• Grow trees and leafy plants near windows to act as natural air-conditioners.

Look out for others

• Keep an eye on isolated, elderly, ill or very young people and make sure they can keep cool
• Ensure babies, children or elderly people are not left alone in stationary cars
• Check on elderly or sick neighbours, family, or friends every day during a heatwave
• Be alert and call a doctor or social services if someone is unwell or further help is needed.

If you have a health problem

• Keep medicines below 25°c or in the refrigerator (read the storage instructions on the packaging)
• Seek medical advice if you are suffering from a chronic medical condition or taking multiple medications.

If you or others feel unwell

• Try to get help if you feel dizzy, weak, anxious or have intense thirst and headache; move to a cool place as soon as possible and measure your body temperature
• Drink some water or fruit juice to rehydrate
• Rest immediately in a cool place if you have painful muscular spasms (particularly in the legs, arms, or abdomen, in many cases after sustained exercise during very hot weather), and drink oral rehydration solutions containing electrolytes
• Medical attention is needed if heat cramps last more than one hour. Consult your doctor if you feel unusual symptoms or if symptoms persist.