People at risk - heatwave

Babies and young children are very sensitive to high temperatures and can get heat stress quickly. It is very important to watch babies and young children closely to keep them from getting dehydrated or overheated.

Babies and young children may not show the early signs and symptoms that occur in adults, they may just look unwell or be more irritable than usual. They may:

• be excessively fussy, cry a lot, or seem lethargic
• have increased sleepiness or difficulty waking up
• show a lack of interest in playing or eating
• seem floppy
• refuse to drink
• have hot, red, and dry skin, or unusually pale skin
• cry without tears
• have dark yellow urine, or fewer wet nappies than usual
• have a lower (sunken) soft spot (fontanelle) on the top of their head.

Feeding

• During hot weather, breast fed babies (including expressed breast milk fed) may need extra breast milk feeds.
• Bottle (formula) fed babies may need small amounts of cool boiled water in between feeds. This also applies to older babies, especially if the baby is having other foods.

Sleeping

• Make sure your baby sleeps in a cool room.
• Make sure air can circulate around the bassinette or cot (remove any liners or padding).
• If you use a fan, do not point it towards your baby but use it to circulate air around the room.
• If you use an air-conditioner, make sure the room does not get too cold (about 24 °C to 26 °C is low enough).
• Don’t leave babies to sleep in a pram.

Travelling in cars

Your car can heat up to a dangerous temperature very quickly:

• Avoid travelling in hot weather; if you have to travel, go early in the day.
• Never leave your baby or child alone in a car, even if the air-conditioner is on.
• Make sure the sun is not shining directly on your baby or child.
• Never cover a baby capsule with a rug or towel. Consider using a window shield or a wet, lightweight cloth to protect your baby from the sun.

Older children and teenagers are more at risk of heat stress than adults because:

• they are generally smaller and weigh less than adults
• they absorb heat more rapidly in hot weather
• when active, they produce more heat
• they sweat less, and cannot lose heat as rapidly
• they can lose body fluid quickly.

You can reduce your child’s risk of experiencing heat stress by making sure they drink plenty of fluids, limit outdoor activities and wear protective clothing when outside.

During pregnancy, a woman's body temperature is higher and more sensitive to heat in hot weather.

All the usual tips on keeping cool apply.

If you are an older person, you are more at risk of experiencing heat stress, especially if you:

• live alone
• have medical conditions
• take certain medications.

Your ability to care for yourself safely in hot weather can also be affected by:

• being frail
• being unable to move easily without assistance
• having dementia or a mental illness.

If you use a wheelchair, walker, or any other metal equipment, keep it in the shade as it can quickly become hot to touch and may cause a burn.

Some health conditions increase your risk of heat stress during hot weather, such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Some medications can make you more likely to experience heat stress, such as treatment for insomnia, depression, anxiety or poor circulation.

Other medications can make you more likely to experience sunburn, such as treatment for acne.

If you take prescription medicines, you must continue to take these during periods of extreme heat.

If your doctor normally limits your fluids or you are on fluid tablets, you may need to check with them how much to drink in hot weather.

The combination of hot weather and the heat your body produces when you exercise can create dangerously high body temperatures, leading to heat stress.

• Exercising in hot weather, even if you have a high fitness level, increases your risk of heat stress.
• Early signs of exercise-related heat stress include slurred speech and lack of coordination.
• There is also the risk of collapse and even death.
• Generally women face an increased risk of heat stress because of their greater percentage of body fat compared to men.
• Heat stress can also affect children when they exercise, especially intense or endurance activities like football.

To reduce your risk of developing heat illness while exercising, you should:

• avoid exercising in the heat if you are unwell or are recovering from a recent illness
• avoid exercising in the hottest part of the day
• reduce exercise intensity, even if you are very physically fit
• wear lightweight, light-coloured, and loose-fitting clothing
• wear a wide brim hat and sunglasses, apply sunscreen and try to stay in the shade
• carry a water bottle with you and know where you can find drinking water nearby.

• Community based agencies are able to assist you cope with hot weather.
• Community centres may offer bottled water and basic amenities.
• Most agencies can also provide sunscreen and hats as required.

Other important factors to consider:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Move to a local cool space early in the day. Stay in the shade or indoors as much as possible.
• Avoid drinking alcohol.
• Wear lightweight clothing.
• Use sunscreen and a hat during the day.
• Use your support networks such as caregivers and social services.
• Seek medical assistance if required.