It looks like Covid 19 is trying to reach its peak in at least in the state of Maharashtra, where yesterday the total cases count has crossed 8000 mark, after breaching 7000 mark one day earlier. The death toll in state has reached to 342. The worst affected area is Mumbai region, where cases have crossed 5400 mark and death toll stands at 204. Now the position across the world is-the cases are almost touching 3 million mark with death toll crossing 205,000 mark. USA is a worst hit country with Covid 19 cases almost touching 1 million mark and death toll crossing 54,000 mark.
Now coming to health related topic of the day :
We are now entering the summer season in India, come summer and it brings with it a whole lots of issues and among them is HEATSTROKE. When the temp rises above 40 deg centigrade, usually at this stage we may hear about heatstroke. In India, the certain regions attain the temperatures of 45+ degree C during summer season, and this conditions may last for many days. The people in these regions are more susceptible to heatstroke. In normal terms heatstroke is a condition wherein body heats up excessively. As a result of exposure to heat in the environment. Usually this affects the people who are out on run in the heat, and are exposed to excessive heat for a prolonged time.
Many people are not aware that the heatstroke is a serious condition that requires medical attention , otherwise it can prove be very serious, including causing death at times. How one can recognise that a heatstroke has occurred :
SYMPTOMS
The commonly seen symptoms of heatstroke are as follows
- Excessively high body temperature-this is thee main sign of heatstroke, and usually body temperatures of 104 deg F (40 deg C) or more are seen.
- Altered sweating- The skin feels a bit different due to the altered sweating, being hot and dry, whereas, in the usual kind of seating, the skin feel moist due to sweat.
- Confused behaviour-The person may behave a bit confused, or like in delirium, and show irritability or have slurred speech.
- Seizures or coma- At times, people struck by heatstroke, are also known to have seizures or even go into coma.
- Rapid breathing- The breathing may be shallow and rapid.
- A headache- The person affected may complain of a headache.
- Vomiting- People may also have nausea and vomiting if they have been hit by heatstroke.
- Redness of skin-The skin may look flushed or red in colour due to the heat effect.
- Increased Pulse rate- Your heart rate may rise due to impact of heat in your body and this can be observed as increased pulse rate.
CAUSES & SUSCEPTIBILITY
Usually infants, elderly persons, athletes and the people who work continuously in hot sun are the ones to be struck by heatstroke. Apart from the age and temperature factor, excessive exertion can also result in heatstroke. This is why athletes are put in susceptible lot as if they train hard without taking necessary precautions, they too can be hit by heatstroke.
At times one may also get heatstroke, due to excessive clothing which affects your body temperature, alcohol consumption as well as dehydration. Along with this, certain medical conditions or certain illness too may aid a heatstroke.
HOW TO PREVENT HEAT STROKE
One of the best ways to avoid heatstroke is to avoid the direct heat or sun, especially for along time. Try to stay indoors during the times when the heat is more and step out at other times. The next best way to avoid heatstroke is to ensure that ones intake of fluids throughout the day and stay well hydrated. Along with this, it is also recommended that one must wear light, loose fitting clothes so that the body gets enough space keep it cool.
Check with doctor about any medications or illness that you have, whether any of them can result in a heatstroke. This is more so, especially for the aged people as they have already considered to be in a high risk category where heatstroke is concerned. Usually if a person takes all the precautions, heatstroke can be avoided.
Above are few tips to avoid heatstroke in summer season.
Waiting for your comments/views/feed backs.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
27th Apr 2020.