Heatwave intensifies across India, Centre issues health advisory - Check dos and don'ts here
Union Health Secretary has told the chief secretaries of states to sensitise all health staff on early recognition and management of heat illness.
As temperature rises and heatwave conditions prevail across India, the Centre has requested states/UTs to review their health facility preparedness for the availability of adequate quantities of essential medicines and all necessary equipment while ensuring sufficient drinking water and continued functioning of cooling appliances in critical areas.
In a letter dated April 30, 2022, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan told the chief secretaries of states to sensitise all health staff on early recognition and management of heat illness. He also asked to make sure the availability of sufficient drinking water at all health facilities and the continued functioning of cooling appliances in critical areas.
"Health facilities should prepare and review the availability of I.V. fluids, ice packs, ORS, and all necessary items," the health secretary said.
Here are some dos and don'ts that the Centre has shared.
Avoid getting out in the sun, between 12 noon and 3 pm
Avoid strenuous activities when outside
Avoid tea, coffee or drinks with a large amount of sugar
Do not leave kids in parked vehicles
Stay hydrated
Monitor health on a daily basis
Avoid direct sunlight
Exposure to high outdoor and indoor temperatures can induce heat stress
Exposure to high outdoor and indoor temperatures can induce heat stress, directly and indirectly, leading to heat-related illnesses like heat rash (prickly heat), heat oedema (swelling of hands, feet and ankles), heat cramps (muscle cramps), heat tetany, heat syncope (fainting), heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, the Centre said.