The heatwave will persist across the Maltese Islands with a predicted maximum temperature of 42°C in accordance with the METOFFICE Red Heat alert.
Summer temperatures can be a risk to health. In a heatwave, one may get dehydrated, and the body may overheat. This can lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke, which both need urgent treatment. Heatstroke can cause serious damage to the body and can even lead to death.
Heat can affect anyone, but certain people are at greater risk of serious harm. These include:
- Older people, especially those over 75 years of age;
- Babies and young children;
- People with a chronic health condition such as respiratory or heart conditions;
- People with mental health problems;
- People who have fever due to an infection;
- People who misuse alcohol or use illegal drugs;
- People with mobility problems;
- People who are physically active such as manual workers or sportspeople.
The Health Authorities alert the public to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from the effects of the heat and to alert the doctor if one experiences signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion. It is also recommended to regularly check on the elderly and those more at risk especially if they live alone.
To avoid the effects of the heat wave it is important to:
- Keep out of the heat by avoiding any unnecessary exposure to the sun during hot periods of the day usually between 11.00am until 4.00pm;
- Stay cool by staying in the coolest parts of the home and work;
- Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler;
- Drink water regularly to make up for the losses and eat more cold food;
- Avoid dehydrating liquids. Alcohol, coffee, tea and caffeinated soft drinks can hurt more than help;
- Wear light loose fitting clothing;
- Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals;
- Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day;
- Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat if you have to go out in the heat.
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Headache ;
- Dizziness;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Muscle weakness or cramps;
- Pale skin;
- High temperature;
Symptoms of heatstroke include:
- Headache;
- Nausea;
- Intense thirst;
- Sleepiness;
- Hot, red and dry skin;
- A sudden rise in temperature;
- Confusion;
- Aggression;
- Convulsions;
- Loss of consciousness.
