New circular with instructions for the precautionary measures which should follow citizens on hot days issued it Ministry of Healthwhere it will take place emergency briefing from a team of scientists to protect against the new round of extreme heat.

Read in detail: The long-lasting heatwave begins – Where will the mercury show 43 degrees today

The ministry emphasizes that the relevant agencies should consider the possibilityif deemed necessary, of extraordinary changes in the operating hours of the various public and private sector serviceswith an emphasis on limiting the movement of large numbers of people during the hottest hours.

A little earlier, the update for the heat protectionby the experts at the Ministry of Health.

The update was made by:

Christos Hatzichristodoulou – Professor of Hygiene & Epidemiology (Department of Medicine, University of Thessaly). It will be placed on general population issues.

Theodoros Vasilakopoulos – Professor of Pulmonology-Intensive Care (Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (EKPA)). He will talk about patients with respiratory and cardiac issues.

Vana Papaevangelou – Professor of Pediatric Infectious Diseases (EKPA). He will talk about everything related to newborns, children, pregnant and lactating women.

Guidelines for precautionary measures

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, etc.), they are created pathological conditions varying degrees of severity, 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.

The heat stroke syndromemanifested by: sudden increase in body temperature (>40.5 ° 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.

First aid

The treatment of individuals who present the above symptoms, when the ambient temperature is high, should preferably be done in nursing institutionsbut as first aid until they are transported to them immediate measures to reduce body temperature should be applied:

Transfer the heatstroke immediately to a cool placeairy, shady preferably air-conditioned (above link), complete undressing, applying ice packs or cold packs to the neck, armpits and groin area, soaking in a cold water bath or shower or spraying with cold water, providing small sips of cool fluids (water or diluted fruit juice, 1 part juice to
4 parts water) if it can be swallowed etc.

Who is at risk from high temperatures:

– elderly
– babies and small 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 clothes 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.
– Avoid long-hour journeys with means of transport that do not have air conditioning.
– 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 guidelines (above), for the best service to the public.
– Lots of lukewarm showers during the day and cool compresses on 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:

– For 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 in general people sensitive to air pollution it is recommended that they remain indoors and avoid outdoor traffic. 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 protection of public health from suspended particles (A.S.10), the Ministry of Health has issued the no. prot. DYG2/G.P.ok.3191/14.1.14 (AD: VIPSPTHOS1) circular with recommendations to the public.

Recommendations for public information and precautionary measures are posted on the following website of the Ministry, on 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-atmosfairikh-rypansh).