Experts advise to avoid direct sun exposure to prevent heat stroke

There are higher chances of being hit by sunstroke during scorching summer. People are advised to drink plenty of water, include more fruits and vegetables in their diet as well as avoid direct exposure to the sun.

Thiruvananthapuram: The number of persons testing positive for COVID-19 has been steadily on the rise in the State over the past few days.

Meanwhile, the atmospheric temperature is also high despite receiving sporadic summer showers. All those who go out in the scorching sun these days are also prone to get sunstroke, which may even lead to death. Medical experts point out that carrying drinking water and sipping it every now and then is as important as wearing masks during COVID times, to prevent dehydration.

In 2020, owing to the COVID lockdown and the pandemic regulations, the situations in which people went out in the sun for a long time during the summer months were very low and hence no cases of sunstrokes were reported. As per the data with the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, one death was reported due to sunstroke in 2019. The total 1671 summer diseases or heat illnesses reported included 32 sunstroke and 875 sunburn patients who had reached medical facilities for treatment of heat illnesses.

The temperatures have risen to 34.5-degree Celsius already. Considering the possibility of further temperature rise, medical experts insist that people should be cautious to prevent sunstroke and heat illnesses amid this pandemic situation. While the symptoms of sunburns include reddishness and rashes in the skin after prolonged exposure to the sun, sunstroke is more severe.

When the body temperature rises to 104 degrees Celsius and the body fails to expel the heat, there could be problems in the functions of internal and vital organs. Consequently, even brain stroke may happen. The high temperature affecting the functioning of kidneys, heart, and liver could even lead to death. Special care has to be given to those above 75 years of age and children below 4 years to prevent heat illnesses.

Those who suffer from liver and kidney ailments, have an unhealthy weight loss, and have high blood pressure must stay indoors and prevent direct exposure to the sun.

The general symptoms of sunstroke may be variations in heart rate, high body temperature, dizziness, headache, muscle cramps, severe body ache, gasping, change in the colour of urine, seizures (epileptic), and falling unconscious. Working hours must be rescheduled to prevent direct sun exposure. Medical treatment must be sought without delay if the symptoms are noticed.

It is better to avoid going out between 11 am through 3 pm when the heat is at its peak. Use a cap or an umbrella to reduce exposure.

As dehydration is the first step of sunstroke, ensure that you are well hydrated by drinking water every now and then. Avoid drinking tea and liquor as they cause dehydration as well as include more fruits and vegetables in the diet. As the temperature is expected to rise further in the coming days, preventive measures are the best solution like in the case of COVID.