Heat Wave Surges Across West Virginia, Mon Health Expert Urges Citizens to Stay Vigilant
Posted Date: 6/18/2024
Rising temperatures can lead to negative health effects, especially for those in vulnerable groups such as infants, children, and adults over 65 years old. During a heat wave, it’s important to stay vigilant to prevent heat-related illness.
“It’s vital that you take heat warnings seriously as heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, can sneak up on you,” said Murray. “Always drink plenty of cool-temperature liquids, and try to refrain from caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, as these can dehydrate you. Water or a sports drink are the best options for hydration. I even recommend alternating between water and Pedialyte for young children.”
While the summer months typically call for plenty of outdoor activity and fun, experts advise limiting exposure to direct sunlight and heat to avoid excessive heat or illness.
“During a heat wave like this, it’s important to stay inside in the air conditioning, but if you must be outside, find shade to get out of the direct sunlight,” said Murray. “If you have activities planned outside that don’t involve being in a pool or another body of water, try to reschedule to another day.”
If left untreated, heat-related illnesses can progress quickly and soon become life-threatening. Patients are encouraged to call their primary care provider to help manage mild symptoms such as rash, headache, and mild nausea, however, more severe symptoms should be treated urgently.
“Symptoms to watch out for are nausea or vomiting, severe headache, dizziness, dry skin, or loss of consciousness,” said Murray. “If you start to become overheated and have those severe symptoms, consider going to an urgent care facility or emergency room as soon as possible.”
Mon Health offers walk-in and urgent care services at select locations and each of Mon Health System’s four hospitals has an Emergency Department available to treat patients 24/7. For more information, including real-time Emergency Department wait times, visit MonHealth.com.
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