It is no news that Lagos is currently experiencing a heat wave. A heatwave is a period of abnormally hot weather.
We have put together this article to help you stay safe and healthy during this season. Learning the signs of common heat-related illnesses and when to call for professional help is very important
Our body talks and there is no better time to listen to it than a time like this.
Common heat-related illnesses
- Heatstroke: This is caused by your body overheating usually as a result of heavy exertion in or prolonged exposure to high temperatures, and in this case, Lags sun. This condition requires emergency treatment and when untreated can damage the brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. The longer you stay without treatment, the worse the damage caused.
SYMPTOMS
- A body temperature of 40c (140F) or higher ( obtained with a rectal thermometer)
- Your skin will feel hot and dry to touch
- Nausea/ vomiting
- Altered mental state: confusion, slurred speech, seizures, irritability
- Rapid breathing and Increased heart rate
- Headache
- Heat exhaustion: This also happens when your body overheats and can lead to heatstroke
Below are some indications of Heat exhaustion:
- Cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat.
- Heavy sweating.
- Faintness.
- Dizziness.
- Fatigue.
- Weak, rapid pulse.
- Low blood pressure upon standing.
- Muscle cramps.
- Nausea.
- Headache.
- Dehydration: This occurs when you don’t drink enough water during hot seasons
Symptoms may vary in children and adults. Take note of what it might look like when you’re dehydrated:
Infant or young child
- Dry mouth and tongue
- No tears when crying
- No wet diapers for three hours
- Sunken eyes, cheeks
- Sunken soft spot on top of skull
- Listlessness or irritability
Adult
- Extreme thirst
- Less frequent urination
- Dark-colored urine
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Confusion
If you experience any of these symptoms:
- Stop all activity and rest.
- Move to a cooler place.
- Drink cool water or sports drinks.
Ways to stay safe during the Lagos heat wave
These are some ways you can prevent heat-related illnesses during this season.
- Hydrate: Drink lots of water throughout the day, even when you don’t feel thirsty. Also note that sugary drinks and alcohol will dehydrate you further
- Always seek shade and cool spaces: It might be impossible to avoid being outdoors so endeavor to take breaks in cool spaces or under shades when you’re under the sun for too long
- Dress lightly: Wear loose clothes and light-colored clothes as they enable your skin breathe.
- Limit strenuous activity: Avoid partaking in heavy exercise or outdoor work during the hottest part of the day.
If you or someone you know experiences any of the symptoms above, don’t hesitate to call our emergency hotline immediately at +2349155556030, +2349155556040, +2348100085768
