Meters prevention of the effects from the occurrence of high temperatures and heat waves is given by the Ministry of Health with a circular signed by the Minister of Health, Michalis Chrysochoidis

As stated in the circular, 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 createdwhich can lead to severe illness up to death.

What are the symptoms?

Initial symptoms may be: severe headache, weakness, feeling overwhelmed, tendency to faint, drop in blood pressure, nausea, vomiting and rapid heartbeat.

Heat stroke syndrome is manifested by: sudden rise in body temperature (>40.5°C), red, hot and dry skin (sweating has stopped), dry swollen tongue, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, intense thirst, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, disorientation and clear speech, aggressive or strange behavior, convulsions, loss of consciousness or coma.

Coping

The treatment of people with the above symptomswhen the ambient temperature is high, it must be done preferably in nursing institutionsbut as first aid until they are transported to them, immediate measures to reduce the body temperature should be applied: Transfer the heatstroked person immediately to a cool, airy, shady place preferably air-conditioned (above link), complete removal of clothing, positioning ice packs or cold packs to the neck, armpits and groin, soaking in a cold 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 possible to 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

  1. Stay in air-conditioned areas.
  2. Dress light and comfortable with light-colored clothing made of porous material, to facilitate the ventilation of the body and the evaporation of sweat.
  3. Use of a hat from material that allows ventilation of the head.
  4. Use of black or dark sunglasses with lenses that protect against solar radiation.
  5. Avoiding sun exposureespecially for infants and the elderly.
  6. Avoiding heavy physical work.
  7. Avoiding long journeys with means of transport that do not have air conditioning.
  8. Public transport must ensure that the air conditioning is working properly taking into account the aforementioned in the first paragraph of the general instructions (above link), for the better service of the public.
  9. Lots of lukewarm showers during the day and applying cool compresses to the head and neck.
  10. Small in quantity and light meals low in fat, with an emphasis on fruit and vegetable intake.
  11. Taking plenty of fluids (of water and fruit juices), especially by infants and the elderly and avoiding alcohol. If sweating is profuse, the additional intake of small doses of salt is recommended.
  12. People suffering from chronic diseases should consult their treating physicianfrom which they will receive additional instructions depending on their condition as well as instructions on the possible change in the dosage of their medication.
  13. The elderly should not be left alone but to ensure someone for their daily care.
  14. Workplaces must have air conditioners or simple fans, preferably ceiling, 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.