Public warned vs heat stroke

MANILA, Philippines — Avoid coffee and tea for now to avoid heat stroke, the Department of Health (DOH) advised the public yesterday.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque said the public should take the necessary precautions against heat stroke due to the prevailing hot weather in the country.

Even if summer is yet to be declared, he said people should be mindful of the measures they need to prevent heat stroke or exhaustion, especially among children and the elderly who are more vulnerable.

“The older ones and the babies and children, they are the ones that easily get dehydrated,” ?Duque explained.

Heat stroke occurs when the body overheats and cannot cool down by sweating because of dehydration and a humid environment.

Health experts said heat stroke is usually caused by hot weather, vigorous activity in hot weather, dehydration and too much direct exposure to the sun. Among its symptoms are warm and flushed skin, faintness, dizziness, weakness, headache, very high fever (41°C), rapid heartbeat, convulsion and unconsciousness.

Duque also advised the public to avoid tea, coffee, soda and alcohol and to, instead, drink plenty of water.

“If we have elderlies or infants at home, we should make them drink plenty of water since they easily get dehydrated… Avoid being under the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s bad for the body to be exposed during those times,” he added.