A wave of heat and humidity has hit a large part of Quebec since Wednesday. We can expect a feeling of 40 ° C in several regions on Thursday, and uncomfortable nights, with minimum temperatures around 20 ºC, reports Environment and Climate Change Canada.
The bad news: the health risks of such an episode are multiple.
The good news: there are steps you can take to minimize these risks.
The Press took stock of the recommendations of the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS).
Maximize freshness
- Spend as much time as possible in an air-conditioned or cooler place. This is one of the first steps to take in hot weather.
- Take a bath or shower as often as needed. You can also refresh your skin with a wet towel several times a day.
- Close the curtains when the sun is shining and let the air circulate when the night is cool. This will allow you to better control the temperature in your home.
- Wear light, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
- Drink water regularly. Don’t wait to be thirsty.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Reduce physical exertion during the day, especially in the hottest times.
Symptoms to watch out for
The Ministry recommends observing the appearance of certain symptoms in adults.
- If you have a headache, muscle cramps, swelling in the hands, feet and ankles, small red pimples on the skin or signs of dehydration, you should go to a cool place and drink water .
- These symptoms may be accompanied by general malaise, or nausea and vomiting.
- If you have difficulty breathing, convulsions, signs of decreased consciousness, or even loss of consciousness, you should seek medical attention within two hours.
- If you have signs of heatstroke, such as a temperature over 39.5°C on the oral thermometer, dry, red and hot or pale and cold skin, dizziness, confused speech, aggressive behavior or general malaise, you should also seek medical attention within two hours.
And the children?
Children should be watched for other signs of heat-related complications.
- Dry skin, lips, or mouth, abnormal skin color, headache, sunken sunken eyes, dark and less quantity of urine, vomiting or diarrhea, and unusual restlessness may indicate the presence of complications.
- Other symptoms include difficulty breathing, drowsiness and a temperature over 38.5°C on the rectal thermometer.
- A medical consultation is generally necessary when these symptoms appear.
Who are the people at risk?
Vulnerable people are more likely to experience heat complications. Among them, the MSSS mentions:
- Children under 5 years old;
- Old people ;
- People with a loss of autonomy;
- People who suffer from chronic illnesses;
- People who suffer from serious mental health problems;
- People who have problems with alcohol or drug use;
- People who work outdoors or in a place where it is hot;
- People who do strenuous exercise outdoors or in places without air conditioning;
- People who do not have access to cool or air-conditioned places;
- People taking certain medications that can worsen the effects of heat;
- People in poor physical condition;
- People who are sick and have a fever;
- Pregnant women.