A heatwave can affect anyone, but the most vulnerable people are:-
• older people – especially those over 75 and female;
• those who live on their own or in a care home;
• people who have serious or long-term illness, including heart or lung conditions, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, or some mental health conditions;
• people who are on multiple medicines that may make them more likely to be badly affected by hot weather;
• those who may find it hard to keep cool – babies and the very young, the bed bound, those with drug or alcohol additions or with Alzheimer’s disease;
• people who spend a lot of time outside or in hot places – those who live in a top-floor flat, the homeless or those whose jobs are outside.
If you know someone who is susceptible to hot weather, check in on them to make sure they are staying cool and drinking plenty of water. If you think they may have heat exhaustion and are struggling call 111 or get help from 111 online.
For tips for coping in hot weather, signs of heat-related illness and when to get help go to https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/
