During the summer months in India, heat illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke are common due to the hot winds and scorching sun. Heat exhaustion is caused by dehydration and lack of proper hydration, while heatstroke is more severe and occurs when the body loses its ability to regulate its internal temperature, which can be life-threatening without medical attention. Those most at risk include the elderly, young children, people with preexisting health conditions, outdoor workers, and visitors not accustomed to the heat. Symptoms of heat illness range from mild dizziness, swelling, and dehydration to severe heatstroke with extreme thirst, confusion, and potentially unconsciousness. Preventive measures include staying hydrated, keeping cool,

1. Heatstroke,
Heat Exhaustion
Advisory

2. Indian Summer
• Hot winds (Loo) and a scorching sun are the two most
inseparable constituents of the Indian summer.
• They can be very harmful with constant direct exposure.
• During the summer months, heat illnesses become a common
ailment.
• Heat illness varies across the scale, from the milder heat
exhaustion, to severe heatstroke.

3. • Heat exhaustion is caused
by improper hydration.
• The most severe form of
heat exhaustion is
heatstroke - the human
body loses its capacity to
regularise its internal
temperature.
• This may result in a
number of medical
emergencies, which can
turn life threatening.

4. • Elderly people and young
children.
• People with long term health
conditions, like respiratory
disease or diabetes.
• People who work outdoors or in
poorly ventilated areas.
• People who engage in vigorous
physical activity.
• Visitors who are not used to the
heat

5. Main Risks Posed By
a Heatwave
• Heat Syncope: Sudden dizziness that
may happen when you are physically
active
• Heat Edema: Swelling in your ankles
and feet
• Heat Exhaustion or Dehydration:
Body can no longer keep itself cool.
You might feel thirsty, dizzy, weak,
and nauseated
• Heat stroke: Can be life threatening!
Get medical help right away. Those
with chronic diseases or alcoholism
are more at risk. Extreme thirst,
dizziness, nausea, no sign of
sweating and the skin turning red
and dry, are symptoms of a heat
stroke.

6. Effect on the body’s
Nervous System:
• Confusion
• Lack of coordination
• Fits (seizures)
• Headache
• Vertigo/dizziness
• Anxiety
• Speech incoherence
• Hallucination
• Unconsciousness

7. Preventive Measures
• Avoid the heat; don't go out between 11am and 3pm
• Keep rooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside the windows
• Have cool baths or showers, and regularly splash yourself with cool water
• Drink cold fluids, such as water, coconut water and fruit juice; Avoid hot drinks such as tea and
coffee
• Wear loose, cool clothing and hats if you go outdoors
• Avoid wearing dark coloured clothing
• Spend time outdoors during the 7-9am heat to acclimatizes your body to the afternoon summer
heat
• Always carry a bottle of water and Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) when travelling out of the
house/office
• When working in open areas, take regular breaks during afternoon hours, and rest under shade