NSW Health has issued a reminder to take precautions in periods of hot weather and poor air quality.
NSW Health Director of Environment Health, Richard Broome urged people to avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day, to minimise physical activity and to stay hydrated.
“We’re expecting temperatures over 40 degrees for some rural areas of NSW and the high 30s for western Sydney,” Dr Broome said.
“This is the first really hot period of summer and I’d encourage everyone to take the risk of heat related illness seriously,” he said.
“We know that heatwaves cause severe illness, hospital admission and even deaths, and that people are more sensitive to heatwaves early in the season.”
Dr Broome said hot weather puts strain on the body, causes dehydration and could worsen underlying health condition.
He said people aged over 75, people with chronic medical conditions and people who lived alone were particularly vulnerable.
“It’s also really important to stay in regular contact with elderly neighbours, friends and relatives because they may be more vulnerable to the heat.”
“Signs of heat-related illness include dizziness, tiredness, irritability, thirst, fainting, muscle pains or cramps, headache, changes in skin colour, rapid pulse, shallow breathing, vomiting and confusion,” Dr Broome said.
