An emergency teleconference was held at the Ministry of Health on measures to protect citizens in view of the upcoming heat wave.

The Minister of Health Adonis Georgiadis, the Deputy Minister of Health Irini Agapidakis and the Deputy Minister of Health Marios Themistokleous participated today, Monday June 10, in an emergency teleconference on the measures to protect citizens in view of the upcoming heat wave, which according to the forecasts of the National Meteorological Service will last from Tuesday (11-6-2024) to Friday (14-6-2024). The General Secretary of Public Health Fofo Kalyva, the president of EKAV Nikos Papaevstathiou and the Governors of the seven Health Regions of the country also participated in the teleconference.

During the teleconference, the political leadership of the Ministry of Health called on the commander of the EKAB and the commanders of the Health and Human Services to be on heightened alert, so that any problems arising from the prevalence of high temperatures can be dealt with immediately and effectively.

The Ministry of Health, in the framework of its responsibilities for the protection of Public Health, reminds through a relevant circular with recommendations to citizens, issued on June 7, the necessary precautionary measures and especially of vulnerable people to deal with the heat.

Pathological conditions from high temperatures and instructions for dealing with them

When the temperature of the environment rises to limits not tolerated by the human body in synergy with other factors (humidity, apnea, etc.), pathological conditions of varying degrees of severity are created. Initial symptoms may be: severe headache, weakness, feeling overwhelmed, tendency to faint, drop in blood pressure, nausea, vomiting and rapid heartbeat. The heat stroke syndrome is manifested by: sudden increase in body temperature (>40.5 o C), red, hot and dry skin (sweating has stopped), dry swollen tongue, rapid pulse, rapid breathing, intense thirst, headache, nausea, vomiting , dizziness, confusion, inability to orient and speak clearly, aggressive or strange behavior, convulsions, loss of consciousness or coma.

The treatment of people presenting the above symptoms, when the ambient temperature is high, should preferably be done in nursing institutions, but as first aid until they are transferred to them, immediate measures to reduce the body temperature should be applied:

Transferring the heat stroke victim immediately to a cool, airy, shady preferably air-conditioned place (above link), completely undressing, placing ice packs or cold patches on the neck, armpits and groin area, immersion in a cold water bath or shower or spraying with cold water, giving small sips of cool fluids (water or diluted fruit juice, 1 part juice to 4 parts water) if he can swallow, etc.

Who is at risk from high temperatures:

elderly
babies and young children
pregnant and lactating women
people who are overweight or obese
people who work or exercise vigorously in a hot environment
people with chronic diseases (cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, lung diseases, kidney diseases, liver diseases, mental illness, dementia, alcoholism or drug abuse, etc.)
people with an acute illness, such as an infection with fever or gastroenteritis (diarrhea and/or vomiting)
people who for purely medical reasons take medicines for their chronic diseases, such as e.g. diuretics, anticholinergics, psychotropic drugs, hormones (including insulin and antidiabetic tablets). Especially during the period of high ambient temperatures, they should consult their doctor about the possible modification of the dosage.

General precautions:

Stay in air-conditioned rooms.
Dress light and comfortable with light-colored clothing made of porous material to facilitate the ventilation of the body and the evaporation of sweat.
Use of a hat made of material that allows ventilation of the head.
Use of black or dark sunglasses with lenses that protect against solar radiation.
Avoid sun exposure, especially for infants and the elderly.
Avoid heavy physical work.
Avoiding long journeys with non-air-conditioned means of transport.
The means of public transport must take care of the proper operation of their air conditioning, taking into account the aforementioned in the first paragraph of the general instructions (above link), for the best service to the public.
Many lukewarm showers during the day and applying cool compresses to the head and neck.
Small and light meals low in fat, with an emphasis on fruit and vegetable intake.
Drink plenty of fluids (water and fruit juices), especially by infants and the elderly, and avoid alcohol. If sweating is profuse, the additional intake of small doses of salt is recommended.
People suffering from chronic diseases should consult their treating physician, from whom they will receive additional instructions depending on their condition as well as instructions on the possible change in the dosage of their medication.
The elderly should not be left alone but someone should be provided for their daily care.
The workplaces must have air conditioners or simple fans, preferably ceiling fans, and in any case natural ventilation of the premises. The same applies to institutions, which treat newborns, infants, children, the elderly and people with special needs.

Special emphasis should be given when high temperatures are combined with phenomena of increased levels of atmospheric pollution.

Specifically:

In the case of exceeding the limits of ozone in the atmospheric air, the Ministry of Health has issued relevant instructions to inform the public with precautionary measures especially for vulnerable population groups, which are as follows: “People with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and generally sensitive people in air pollution it is recommended to stay indoors and avoid traffic in the outdoor environment. Also, it is recommended that the above people as well as children avoid intense physical exercise, which can cause irritation of the respiratory tract and lead to respiratory problems.”
For the protection of public health from suspended particles (AS10), the Ministry of Health has issued relevant circulars. Recommendations for public information and precautionary measures are posted on the following website of the Ministry, any day of the year when concentrations of suspended particles are exceeded, from which the public can be informed: www.moh.gov.gr/articles/health/dieythynsh- dhmosias-ygieinhs/ygieinhperiballontos/prostasia-poiothtas-aera/3005-systaseis-gia-thn-atmosfairikhrypansh