Signs of extreme heat

Heat stress in the elderly

Elderly people (that is, people aged 65 years and older) are more prone to heat stress than younger people for several reasons:

• Elderly people do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature.

• They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that upsets normal body responses to heat.

• They are more likely to take prescription medicines that impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature or that inhibit perspiration.

Heat stroke

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the body loses its ability to sweat, and it is unable to cool down. Body temperatures rise to106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within 10 to 15 minutes.

Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.

Signs and symptoms

of heat stroke

Warning signs vary but may include the following: an extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees Fahrenheit); red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating); rapid, strong pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea.

Heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids.

Signs and symptoms

of heat exhaustion

Warning signs vary but may include the following: heavy sweating; paleness; muscle cramps; tiredness; weakness; dizziness; headache; nausea or vomiting; fainting; skin: may be cool and moist; pulse rate: fast and weak; breathing: fast and shallow.

What you can do to protect yourself

You can follow these prevention tips to protect yourself from heat-related stress:

• Drink cool, nonalcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages. (If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him how much you should drink when the weather is hot. Also, avoid extremely cold liquids because they can cause cramps.)

• Rest. • Take a cold shower, bath, or sponge bath. • If possible, seek an air-conditioned shopping mall or public library to cool off. • Wear lightweight clothing. • If possible, remain indoors in the heat of the day. • Do not engage in strenuous activities. What you can do to help

protect elderly relatives and neighbors If you have elderly relatives or neighbors, you can help them protect themselves from heat-related stress: • Visit older adults at risk at least twice a day and watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. • Take them to air-conditioned locations if they have transportation problems. • Make sure older adults have access to an electric fan whenever possible.

What you can do for someone with heat stress

If you see any signs of severe heat stress, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the affected person. Do the following:

• Get the person to a shady area.

• Cool the person rapidly, using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the person in a tub of cool water; place the person in a cool shower; spray the person with cool water from a tub of cool water; spray the person with cool water from a garden hose; sponge the person with cool water; or if the humidity is low, wrap the person in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously.

• Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101 -102 F. • If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions. • Do not give the person alcohol to drink.

• Get medical assistance as soon as possible.

For more information, visit www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat, or call the CDC public response hotline at (888) 246-2675 (English), (888) 246-2857 (español), or (866) 874-2646 (TTY).

If you have any additional questions, you may call Pat Hafermann, elderly benefits specialist with the Aging and Disability Resource Center, at (920) 459-4389.

Resource: Department Of Health And Human Services, August 2009.