The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued guidance urging households to watch for 14 key symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke as a heatwave brings temperatures potentially reaching 40°C to London this week. The Met Office has issued a Red Extreme Heat Warning for Wednesday and Thursday, predicting maximum temperatures in the shade above 37°C, possibly rising to 38-40°C in some areas.
Heat exhaustion symptoms
According to the UKHSA, heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats and cannot cool down. It does not usually require emergency medical attention if the person cools down within 30 minutes. However, if untreated, it can lead to heatstroke, a medical emergency. Common heat exhaustion symptoms include tiredness, weakness, feeling faint, headache, muscle cramps, feeling or being sick, heavy sweating, and intense thirst.
Heatstroke symptoms and emergency response
Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition where the body temperature becomes dangerously high. Symptoms include confusion, lack of coordination, fast heartbeat, fast breathing or shortness of breath, hot skin that is not sweating, and seizures. The UKHSA warns: "Heatstroke is a medical emergency. If you think someone has heatstroke you should dial 999 and then try to cool them down."
The UKHSA has also released Yellow and Amber Heat Health Alerts, highlighting potential health and social care impacts. Older people are particularly at risk in high temperatures. For more details, the UKHSA directs the public to the NHS website.
