PEOPLE recovering from the coronavirus have been warned to stay indoors after Public Health England (PHE) issued a health alert due to soaring temperatures.
Temperatures could hit 39C in some parts of the UK today, with high temperatures continuing throughout the weekend and into next week.
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Parts of the country will experience pockets of very high temperatures and one consultant has advised that those people who are recovering from Covid-19 should take extra precautions.
Ishani Kar-Purkayastha, consultant in public health at PHE said while some people enjoy the hot weather, others find it difficult to cope.
She said: “People recovering from Covid-19 at home, those who are self-isolating, older people and people with underlying health conditions are all more vulnerable during hot weather.
“This summer, many of us are spending more time at home due to Covid-19.
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“A lot of homes can overheat, so it’s important we continue to check on older people and those with underlying health conditions, particularly if they’re living alone and may be socially isolated.”
She added that the most important thing is to stay hydrated and keep cool.
PHE also states that the pandemic will “amplify risks from the heat” and said that there are several key factors for severe Covid-19 overlap with key heat risk factors, including older age and those with chronic heart and lung problems.
People who are self isolating because they think they may have the virus may struggle to keep their temperature down, PHE said this is worse if you are also experiencing a fever.
Those recovering may have experienced organ damage meaning that they will be more vulnerable to the heat than usual.
Experts warned that it’s important to distinguish Covid-19 from heatstroke and said people who already have breathing issues and heart problems should try and stay out of the sun.
If you have symptoms of Covid-19 then you should self isolate and try and secure a test.
Heat related illnesses can include a high temperature and dizziness – which have both been linked to the coronavirus, so it’s important that you distinguish the difference between the two so you can seek the correct treatment.
How to keep safe in the heat
Hot weather can be difficult for most of us to deal with.
But Ruth May, chief nursing officer for England, has warned the risk of serious illness is much higher for the elderly, children and young people, and those who already have health conditions including heart and breathing problems.
She has urged everyone to take care, and encouraged people to keep an eye on their neighbours and relatives.
Her top tips include:
- Shut windows and pull down the shades when it is hotter outside. You can open the windows for ventilation when it is cooler
- If you’re vulnerable to the effects of heat, avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day (11am and 3pm).
- Keep rooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside the windows. If this isn’t possible, use light-coloured curtains and keep them closed (metallic blinds and dark curtains can make the room hotter).
- Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water.
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol – water, lower-fat milks and tea and coffee are good options.
- Listen to alerts on the radio, TV and social media about keeping cool.
- Plan ahead to make sure you have enough supplies, such as food, water and any medications you need.
- Identify the coolest room in the house so you know where to go to keep cool.
- Wear loose, cool clothing, and a hat and sunglasses if you go outdoors.
- Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves
Dr Dawn Richards, GP at Vitality Health, said it’s important to know the signs of heat stroke, so you can act quicker.
“In very hot and humid weather, sweat cannot evaporate quickly enough, and the body cannot cool itself down,” she explained.
“Our body temperature will start to rise as a result and develop into heat exhaustion, and, if not treated, this condition can very quickly lead to a serious condition called heat stroke.
“Heat stroke, also known as sun stroke, is a medical emergency and must be treated immediately.”
She also offered advice on when to know the difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
“Heat exhaustion is caused by loss of salt and water from the body through excessive sweating.
“Perspiration is your body’s natural way of cooling itself. Symptoms should improve quickly by cooling and rehydrating the body, but if left untreated it can progress to heatstroke.
“The symptoms are often the same in adults and children, although children may become floppy and sleepy.”
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