India: Health risks related to heat wave

In Brief A severe heat wave has affected many states in India and it is anticipated to continue. Exposure to excessive temperatures for a sustained period can pose health risks ranging from relatively mild rashes and sunburn up to heat stroke, a medical emergency.

Advice

Minimise time in the sun, especially when the sun is the strongest (between 10 am and 4pm).

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid alcohol, caffeinated and sugary drinks.

Avoid excess physical activity, or defer until the temperature lessens.

Use air conditioning and fans to reduce exposure to sustained high temperatures.

Wear loose, cool clothing that covers the body. Natural fibers are often cooler than synthetics.

Use sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Apply liberally to all exposed body parts and reapply as advised by the manufacturer.

Protect the face and eyes. Wear a hat and UV filtering sunglasses.

In case of heat rash, alleviate the discomfort by keeping cool, and bathing often. If the rash is very itchy, an over-the-counter lotion may help.

Rest immediately if you begin to feel weak or dizzy. Lie down in a cool, shaded place and seek medical assistance if symptoms persist.

More Detail A number of states have been impacted by severe heat wave with temperatures reaching above 40 degree Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Many people have died. The badly affected states that have reported most fatalities include Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Telangana. Other states reporting markedly high temperatures are Bihar, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal.

The Indian Meteorological Department has issued heat notices and information on the affected states on its website.

What are the health implications? Exposure to intense temperatures can pose health risks ranging from relatively mild rashes and sunburn up to the dangerous condition heat stroke.

Sunburn develops when skin is overexposed to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. The result is red, painful skin that sometimes becomes swollen and blistered. Severe sunburn can also cause chills, fever, nausea and vomiting.

Heat rash, sometimes called "prickly heat" or "miliaria", often occurs on skin covered by clothing. The rash may cause no symptoms, or may itch or sting. Once in a cooler environment, it often it gets better on its own. Occasionally treatment may be required.

Heat exhaustion is a risk, especially for elderly people and those who work or exercise in hot environments. Initial symptoms are excessive sweating and muscles cramps. These can progress into fatigue, headache, dizziness, fainting and other symptoms. The situation is more serious if dehydration symptoms develop (dry skin and mouth, increased thirst, fast pulse).

Heat stroke is a serious illness which occurs when the body's cooling mechanism fails due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures. It is a medical emergency. Body temperature rises to dangerous levels during heat stroke. This can occur quickly: temperatures may rise to 41 degrees C (106 degrees F) or even higher within 15 minutes. In addition to fever, patients may become confused, disoriented, uncoordinated, and have trouble speaking or understanding others. These are signs of serious illness. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.

For more information:

See the “Heat and Sun” and “Dehydration” articles in the “Travel Advice” dropdown on International SOS Country Guides.

See the India Meteorological Department website.

Contact any International SOS Assistance Centre.