Recommendations to avoid the effects of the impending heat wave are addressed by the Ministry of Health. Scientists – members of the Public Health committee will hold an emergency briefing tomorrow and will give protection instructions against the extreme weather conditions expected in the next period of time.

In today’s circular of the deputy minister Irini Agapidakis, it is noted that the heat is a seasonal phenomenon that is observed during the summer months and becomes more intense in the cities. The country’s public services should be able to deal with the health effects of high temperatures and heat waves. It is pointed out that the municipalities must also participate in the overall effort, taking care in time to organize and make available cool and air-conditioned spaces for the public and in general to cooperate with the Services of the Regional Units to inform the public and to take the necessary measures. The competent services should consider the possibility, if deemed necessary, of extraordinary changes in the operating hours of the various public and private sector services, with an emphasis on limiting the movement of large numbers of people during the hottest hours.

Pathological conditions caused by 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), pathological conditions of varying degrees of severity are created, which can lead to severe illness and even death.

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 a sudden increase in body temperature (>40.5 °C), red, hot and dry skin (sweating has stopped), dry swollen tongue, rapid heartbeat, 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 who present 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: Transfer the heatstroke victim immediately to a cool, airy, shady, preferably air-conditioned place, completely remove clothes, place ice packs or cold patches on the neck, armpits and the groin area, soaking 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.

Who is at risk from high temperatures?

* Elderly.

* Babies and toddlers.

* Pregnant and lactating women.

* ‘People who are overweight or obese.

* ‘People who work or exercise intensely 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 acute illness, such as 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 exposure to the sun, especially for infants and the elderly.

* Avoiding heavy physical work.

* Avoiding long-hour journeys with means of transport that do not have air conditioning.

* Public transport must take care of the good operation of their air conditioning, taking into account the general instructions for better service to the public.

* Many lukewarm showers during the day and applying cool compresses to the head and neck.

* Small in quantity and light meals low in fat, with an emphasis on the intake of fruits and vegetables.

* Drinking plenty of fluids (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.

* 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 for informing the public with precautionary measures especially for vulnerable population groups, which are as follows:

“People with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and people sensitive to air pollution in general are advised to stay indoors and avoid outdoor traffic. It is also 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.”