As IMD predicts heatwave in parts of Telangana, Health Department issues advisory

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Advisory issued

The Telangana Health Department issued the circular listing the do’s and don’ts during the heatwave situation.

• Stay hydrated: The department advised people to stay hydrated by drinking sufficient water and consuming fruits and vegetables with high water content.
• Stay covered: It also advised people to wear thin loose cotton garments preferably light-coloured, and use an umbrella, hat, cap, towel and other traditional head gear during exposure to direct sunlight.
• Stay indoors as much as possible: The department asked the people to stay in well-ventilated and cool places, and block direct sunlight and heat waves.
• Stay alert: It also advised people to be informed regarding the weather by listening to the radio, watching TV, and reading Newspapers.

It also listed what not to do in the situation.

• Avoid getting out in the sun, especially between 12 noon and 3 pm
• Avoid strenuous activities when outside in the afternoon
• Do not go out barefoot
• Avoid cooking during peak summer hours. Open doors and windows to ventilate the cooking area adequately
• Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee and carbonated soft drinks or drinks with large amounts of sugar, as these actually lead to loss of more body fluid or may cause stomach cramps
• Avoid high-protein food and do not eat stale food
• Do not leave children or pets in a parked vehicle

The department further asked the people to seek immediate medical attention from nearby government health facilities if any of the following is observed:

• Altered mental sensorium with disorientation: confusion and agitation, irritability, ataxia, seizure and coma
• Hot, red and dry skin
• Body temperature ≥40 degree Celsius or 104 degree Fahrenheit
• Throbbing headache
• Anxiety, Dizziness, fainting and lightheadedness
• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rapid heartbeat
• Rapid, shallow breathing