DOH warns vs heatstroke in these hot, humid times

The Department of Health (DOH) warns the public against heatstroke even as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has yet to officially declare the start of summer, or dry season.

The risk of a heatstroke — considered a medical emergency — increases during hot and humid conditions, especially during exercise, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and when the body is dehydrated, according to the DOH.

“Heatstroke. Heat exhaustion. These are already possible,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said.

He said the warning was particularly directed at schoolchildren and the elderly. “The older ones and the babies and children, they are the ones that easily get dehydrated.”

Duque advised the public to limit the amount of time they spend outdoors.

“Avoid being under the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s bad for the body to be exposed during those times,” he said.

To keep cool during the hot days, avoid spending so much time outdoors and drink water rather than tea, coffee, soda and alcoholic beverages, he added.