Robin Muchetu
THE current high temperatures being experienced across the country is a cause for concern especially with young children, the elderly and infirm as temperatures are soaring from as early as 9am.
The need for staying safe during these periods is extremely important as failure to do so may be damaging.
The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has urged the population to stay hydrated, limit exposure to direct sunlight as temperatures continue to soar, with some areas recording highs of 44 degrees Celsius.
Children are very vulnerable to such weather conditions as they undergo development, to protect children during a heatwave:
· Never leave children or animals in parked vehicles for any amount of time, as temperatures can quickly become dangerously high.
· Avoid direct exposure to the sun during peak hours, seeking shade or staying indoors instead.
· Never cover an infant stroller or pram with dry fabric. Doing so makes it hotter inside the carriage. In-stead, use a wet, thin cloth and re-wet as necessary to lower the temperature. Combine with a portable fan for even greater cooling.
· Dress children in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers their skin and use wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect them from the sun’s rays.
The World Health Organisation notes that during times of extremely high temperatures like those that are being experienced in Zimbabwe right now, people should aim to keep their living space cool.
“Check the room temperature between 08:00 and 10:00, at 13:00 and at night after 22:00. Ideally, the room temperature should be kept below 32 degrees Celsius during the day and 24 degrees
Celsius during the night. This is especially important for infants, adults over the age of 60 years or those who have chronic health conditions,” they said.
They advise that the public use the night air to cool down their homes by opening windows after dark.
“Turn off as many electrical devices as possible. Use electric fans only when temperatures are below 40 degrees Celsius in temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius as it will heat the body.
If using air conditioning, set the thermostat to 27 ˚C and turn on an electric fan, this will make the room feel 4 ˚C cooler. Remember that it may be cooler outdoors in the shade,” said WHO.
However, in the event that one fails to stay cool, and is now feeling unwell, they must seek help immediately as they may be experiencing a heatstroke which is a potentially fatal medical emergency. Seek medical attention immediately if you or others feel faint, dizzy, or nauseous, stop sweating, show signs of delirium or lose consciousness.
Delirium is a serious change in mental abilities. It causes people to become confused and unaware of their surroundings. This condition comes on fast with typical symptoms appearing over a few hours or a few days.
It is crucial to take heatstroke seriously and act quickly, as delays can lead to severe complications or even death of the affected persons.
Call for emergency medical help immediately to get professional medical assistance on the way before doing anything else, if someone within the household seems affected by a heat stroke.
Administer aggressive cooling by using any available means to cool the person down while waiting for medical help. Move the person to a shady or air-conditioned location immediately and apply cold, wet cloths or towels to their body.
Use ice packs and fans if available. To substitute an ice pack, you can use a block of frozen meat, or frozen vegetables from your fridge or a frozen water bottle wrapped in a wet towel placed on the affected person and do cold compresses to help cool them down.
It is advised to loosen or remove any unnecessary clothing to help the person cool down and remember that it is important to drink a lot of cool fluids during this period.
Keep a close eye on the person’s condition while waiting for medical assistance and also look out for signs of improvement or deterioration.
Do not give the person suffering heatstroke acetylsalicylic acid (commonly known as aspirin) or paracetamol. Position an unconscious person on their side.
If you feel dizzy, weak, anxious or have intense thirst and headache during a heatwave, it is best to move to a cool place as soon as possible and measure your body temperature.
Rest immediately in a cool place if you have painful muscular spasms (particularly in the legs, arms or abdomen), and drink oral rehydration solutions containing electrolytes. Medical attention is needed if heat cramps last more than 1 hour. Consult your doctor if you feel unusual symptoms or if symptoms persist. —@NyembeziMu
