Heatwave and Ozone Peaks: Risks and Precautionary Measures

What's a heat wave?

In Belgium, a heat wave is defined as a period of at least 3 consecutive days when the average minimum temperature is higher than 18,2°C and the average maximum day temperature is greater than 29,6°C in Uccle.

Risks to public health:

1. Heat symptoms:
   • Heat cramps: Muscle cramps that occur suddenly during severe physical exertions, accompanied by abundant sweating.
   • What to do: Drink a lot, rest, and massage muscles.
2. Heat exhaustion:
   • Symptoms: Dizziness, fainting, fatigue, and sweating caused by prolonged exposure to heat.
   • What to do: Rest in a cool environment, cool off with damp cloths, and drink plenty of water.
3. Sunstroke:
   • Symptoms: Severe headache, somnolence, nausea, high fever and redness of the skin caused by direct sun exposure.
   • What to do: Shower to cool the skin, seek medical attention for severe symptoms, drink plenty of water.
4. Heat stroke:
   • Symptoms: Severe complications such as loss of consciousness, high body temperature (>41°C), and palpitations.
   • What to do: Get medical attention immediately, cool the victim down with water and ventilation.

Symptoms due to ozone peaks and air pollution:

• Shortness of breath, eye irritation, headache and throat stimulation.
• precautionary measures:
  • Stay hydrated, avoid exercise, look for shade, wear light clothing and bring a bottle of water.

Risk groups:

• Infants, elderly, chronically ill, and people taking certain medications are at higher risk of overheating.
• precautionary measures for groups at risk:
  • Avoid heavy effort, drink enough water, and seek cooling.

Special care for chronically ill patients:

• Avoid heavy exercise, consult a doctor for medication adjustments, stay hydrated, and avoid excessive ozone exposure.

Hydration during heat:

• Drink at least 1.5 liters of water a day, even if you're not thirsty. If you've got physical exercise, you need to drink more.

Heat supply:

• Choose for preserved, fresh seasonal fruit, and foods that do not spoil quickly. Avoid dairy products and heavily processed foods.

Avoid:

• Avoid perishable foods, milk products that need to be cooled, and alcoholic beverages.

It is essential to take seriously the risks of overheating, especially for vulnerable groups, and to take appropriate precautions to protect health during periods of heat and ozone peaks.