Public Health Advice During High Temperatures
The HSE is reminding people to take steps to protect their health during the current period of hot weather following a Status Yellow High Temperature Warning issued by Met Éireann.
High temperatures can affect anyone, but some people are more vulnerable to the effects of heat, including older people, infants and young children, people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, and those who work or spend long periods outdoors. Heat can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
How to stay safe during hot weather
Keep cool
- Avoid spending long periods outdoors during the hottest part of the day (11am to 3pm)
- Stay in the shade whenever possible
- Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes
- Minimise unnecessary heating - turn off central heating, electrical equipment and lights that are not needed
- Keep your home cool by closing curtains or blinds during the day and opening windows when temperatures are cooler in the evening and overnight
- Dampening your skin with a wet cloth or wet towel may help to keep you cool
Stay hydrated
- Drink water regularly throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty
- Avoid alcoholic drinks, which can also cause dehydration
- Check that older adults and young children are drinking enough fluids
- Aim for pale-coloured pee as a sign of good hydration
- Babies under 6 months should continue to receive breast milk or infant formula as their source of fluids. Babies over 6 months may be offered water in addition to their usual milk feeds. Make sure they are having plenty of wet nappies.
- Oral rehydration sachets may be helpful if you are feel symptoms of dehydration – talk to your pharmacist about how best to use them
High temperatures can cause people to become very sick. We are urging people to keep cool and stay hydrated during the hot weather. This is especially important for older people, young children and those with chronic medical conditions.
Be SunSmart
Follow the 5 S’s:
- Slip on clothing: Cover skin as much as possible, wear long sleeves.
- Slop on sunscreen. Apply a generous amount of sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30+ for adults and 50+ for children that has a high UVA protection and is water resistant. Reapply every 2 hours, more frequently after swimming or sweating.
- Slap on a wide-brimmed hat. Protect your face, ears and neck. Baseball caps do not provide enough protection.
- Seek shade - especially if outdoors between 11am and 3pm - and always use a sunshade on a child’s buggy. Keep babies out of direct sunlight.
- Slide on sunglasses. Guard your eyes from harm by wearing sunglasses with UV protection.
As well as the 5 S’s it is important to remember do not deliberately try to get a suntan and avoid getting a sunburn. Stay sun safe and be SunSmart.
Look out for others
Check in on relative, neighbours and friends who may be more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, particularly those who live alone.
Extra care may be needed for:
- older people
- infants and young children
- people with heart, lung, kidney or other chronic illnesses
- people with dementia
- people experiencing homelessness
- outdoor workers and those involved in strenuous physical activity
If you are caring for someone, they may not have a sense of how much they're drinking. To help them, make sure they drink during mealtimes. You could even make drinking a social thing, like “having a cup of tea” or offer them food with a high-water content. Fruits like melon, ice lollies, or jelly all have a high-water content.
Water safety
Hot weather often leads to increased use of beaches, lakes and rivers. The public is reminded to follow local water safety advice and to take appropriate precautions when swimming or doing water-based activities.
Find out more water safety advice.
Know the signs of heat-related illness
Early signs of heat exhaustion may include:
- excessive sweating
- dizziness
- headache
- muscle cramps
- nausea
- fatigue
Seek urgent medical attention if someone develops signs of heatstroke, including:
- confusion or altered behaviour
- loss of consciousness
- seizures
- very high body temperature
- hot, dry skin / no longer sweating
Anyone who is concerned about their health, should contact their GP or seek medical advice.
For more information on staying safe during hot weather, visit the HPSC website.