“Risks to be mindful of during this spell of hot weather are heat exhaustion and heat stroke.”
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Tony Holohan has issued a warning as temperatures are set to reach over 30 degrees in parts of the country this week.
Dr Holohan said that it’s important to stay safe as the heatwave continues to see temperatures climb throughout the country.
He added that there is a need to be “mindful” of the possibility of contracting “heath exhaustion and heat stroke”.
“While people should get outdoors this week and enjoy the beautiful weather, it’s important to do so in as safe a way as possible,” Dr Holohan said.
He also urged people to regularly apply SPF, wear light clothing and keep hydrated to help combat the heat.
“Be SunSmart – regularly and liberally apply sunscreen that has a sun protection factor of at least 30+ for adults and 50+ for children, wear light and loose-fitting clothing that covers your skin, wear a hat and sunglasses. Keep yourself cool and hydrated,” he said.
“Other risks to be mindful of during this spell of hot weather are heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
“Heat exhaustion is not usually serious if you can cool down within 30 minutes. Signs of heat exhaustion include headache, dizziness and confusion, loss of appetite and feeling sick, fast breathing or pulse, high temperature of 38C or above and being very thirsty.
“If not treated this can lead to heatstroke, which means the body is no longer able to cool itself down and this needs to be treated as an emergency. If you feel unwell, or you or your children display any of the above symptoms immediately move to a cool place, rest and hydrate.”
Dr Holohan also encouraged people to “seek medical attention” and “look out for others” amid the heatwave.
“If needed, seek medical attention. Look out for others around you, especially individuals who may be more vulnerable to the effects of heat such as older people, young children and babies,” he added.
Dr Holohan also asked people to “continue to follow relevant public health advice” in relation to Covid-19 as case numbers in the country continue to soar.
Dr Holohan’s warning comes as Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow high-temperature warning for Ireland, after record-breaking heat over the past few days.
The warning comes into effect at 1pm on Tuesday and will last until 9am on Friday, following a high-temperature weather advisory that had already been issued at the weekend.
According to the forecaster, the high temperatures will be continuing this week, with conditions hot by day and staying very warm and humid at night.
Daytime maximum temperatures will generally be between 27 to 30 degrees, while overnight temperatures will not fall below 17 to 20 degrees.
Met Éireann also issued a Status Orange weather warning for Cavan, Monaghan, south Leitrim, Roscommon, Longford, Westmeath.
The weather warning takes effect at 2pm today and will last until Friday.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
