High temperatures forecast for the next few days – remember to protect yourself and your loved ones

High temperatures have been forecast for Finland for the next few days. Hot weather and heat waves can cause serious health hazards, especially for older people and people suffering from long-term illnesses.

During heat waves, it is best to avoid sunshine, hot areas and unnecessary physical strain. Drink enough water and remember to eat too, to avoid dehydration and low blood sodium caused by sweating.

Good ways to cool off include swimming, cool showers and cold wraps. You should also wear light, breezy clothes. Do still protect yourself from UV radiation from the sun.

Keep your home cool

In order to prevent the health hazards of hot weather, it is important to try to keep indoor areas cool.

“You should cover any windows facing the sun during the day, for example with curtains or blinds. You should close your windows when it’s warmer outside than inside and then open the windows in the evening and at night once it gets cooler outside”, says THL Researcher Virpi Kollanus.

If your home gets hot easily, consider installing a portable air conditioner unit or air source heat pump if you are in a risk group.

A fan can also make you feel cooler if the air temperature is below 35 degrees. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, you should avoid using a fan in common areas where more than one person is present. It is especially best to avoid using a fan in confined common spaces with poor ventilation. If you are using a fan, you should make sure that the ventilation in the space works efficiently and place the fan so that it does not blow air from one person to another.

If the temperature at home gets unbearably hot, you could spend time in a cool place like a shaded park or an air conditioned public building. But do not go to public spaces if you have symptoms of a respiratory infection.

Keep in touch with loved ones in risk groups

Everyone should take care of the well-being of their family and friends during heat waves. You should especially be mindful of loved ones who are older, who suffer from underlying chronic diseases or whose functional capacity has deteriorated.

“It is a good idea to contact people in risk groups every day, for example by telephone or online. If necessary, help your loved ones protect themselves from the heat”, Kollanus says.

Seek treatment when needed

Heat, dehydration and low sodium levels can lead to heat illnesses such as heat exhaustion. Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include intense thirst, excessive sweating or cool and clammy skin, weakness, headaches, dizziness, irritability and nausea.

In addition to the elderly, babies and small children in particular are vulnerable to symptoms related to hot weather. Heat stress can also exacerbate symptoms of long-term illnesses or severe acute illnesses.

“People with long-term illnesses should talk to their doctor in advance about how heat affects their illness or the medication used for its treatment”, says Kollanus.

If you are experiencing severe symptoms or if the symptoms of your primary disease have clearly become worse, contact health care services, primarily by telephone (your health centre, emergency services or Medical helpline tel. 116117). In urgent situations, call the emergency number 112.

Further information

Helle
Helteen terveyshaittojen torjuntaohjeet väestölle
Lämpösairauksien oireet ja hoito

Virpi Kollanus
Researcher
Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare
tel. +358 29 524 6392
[email protected]