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Australians are being urged to stay alert about the potential for heat-related deaths and illnesses as parts of the country face a scorching heatwave this week.
Temperatures are forecast to soar into the 40s in at least four states, raising the risk of heat stress on the body.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) predicts days of extreme conditions as a band of severe heat moves from west to east along Australia’s southern half.
Wednesday is expected to record extreme conditions for south-eastern Australia and as the wind increases later in the week, high to extreme fire danger is expected for much of South Australia and Victoria.
The Bureau of Meteorology predicts that temperatures will soar to 40°C across New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia.
— Intense perspiration
We’ll often sweat as our bodies try to cool down. But doing so can also cause fluid and salt loss which in turn can lead to dehydration and heat exhaustion, with symptoms such as:
— Feeling lightheaded
— Persistent headaches
— Risk of fainting
— Fainting
— Fatigue and weakness
— Nausea and vomiting
The heart also has to work harder to keep blood flowing as the body tries to cool itself, which can increase the risk of a heart attack, especially among people with underlying cardiovascular illnesses.
“If there are any underlying health conditions, they can be exacerbated, they can become worse,” Eilish Maguire, a senior resilience officer with the emergency services provider Australian Red Cross, said.
“And some medications can affect how people thermoregulate — or how they are able to regulate their body temperature.”
Maguire said if heat exhaustion is not treated, it can lead to heat stroke — a life-threatening illness with symptoms including a fast pulse and rapid, shallow breathing; intense thirst; nausea or vomiting; and loss of consciousness or seizures.
If you suspect you or someone else has heat stroke, call triple-zero immediately.
While waiting for help, the federal government’s Healthdirect website recommends trying to bring their — or your — temperature down, such as by moving to a cool, shaded area, placing cool packs under the armpits, and gently spraying or sponging the body with cool water.
Who’s most at risk — and how to protect yourself
When it comes to regular warmer weather, the most vulnerable groups are people who are socially isolated, people who are pregnant or are sick or living with a disability, young children or anyone without access to appropriate cooling or shelter.
But anyone, even those without underlying health conditions, can suffer the effects of extreme heat.
“When we see these extreme heatwaves, which we will see in multiple places around the country this week, even healthy, fit young people are going to be at increased risk, especially if they’re working outdoors or exercising or even just trying to go to the beach just to cool down,” Maguire said.
“If they’re not taking adequate precautions, their risk will increase.”
Maguire recommended stocking up on food, water and medication ahead of the heatwave to reduce your need to go outside.
Avoid going outside and doing strenuous activity during the hottest time of day, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends.
Try to keep your home cool, for example by using a combination of electric fans and air conditioning.
However, if you only have fans, use them only when temperatures are below 40C — otherwise they can increase heat stress, the WHO says.
Opening windows at night, when outdoor temperatures are lower than indoors, can also be an effective cooling tactic.
The WHO also recommends drinking water regularly and taking cool showers or baths.
If you think you are suffering from heat exhaustion, health agencies recommend lying down in a cool place, taking slow sips of water, using a cold compress or taking a cool shower or bath.
