Chief Medical Officer issues key advice as…

Chief Medical Officer issues key advice as temperatures continue to rise across Ireland

As temperatures continue to rise across Ireland, the interim Chief Medical Officer has encouraged people to take extra care while enjoying the sunshine.

Professor Breda Smyth has urged people to look after those around them, “especially individuals who may be more vulnerable to the effects of heat such as older people, young children and babies.”

Met Éireann has issued a High Temperature weather warning for Leinster and Munster, with temperatures to see up to 31 degrees in parts as hot spells continue for the rest of the week and weekend.

Professor Smyth said: “The exceptionally warm weather we are experiencing at the moment is a time for us all to enjoy being outside, but I would encourage people to take extra care when in the sun over the coming days.

Professor Breda Smyth, Director of Public Health, HSE West pictured this afternoon at the Department of Health at a Covid-19 media briefing (Collins Photos)

“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.”

She also encouraged people to be sun smart and follow the below steps.

Regularly and liberally apply sunscreen that has a sun protection factor of at least 30+ for adults and 50+ for children
Stay out of direct sunlight for prolonged periods as much as possible during the day, especially between the hours of 11am to 3pm when UV is strongest
Wear light and loose-fitting clothing that covers your skin, wear a hat and sunglasses
Make sure you have enough water to drink; an adult needs approximate 2 litres of liquid over 24 hours. Other risks to be mindful of during this spell of hot weather are heat exhaustion and heat stroke

Professor Smyth also reminded the public that heat exhaustion is not usually serious if you can cool down within 30 minutes.

She said: “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. If needed, seek medical attention.”

The Chief Medical Officer then offered her advice of how to keep cool during the scorching heat.

These included:

Minimise unnecessary heating - turn off central heating, electrical equipment and lights that are not needed.
Use natural ventilation such as open windows when the air feels cooler outside than inside (e.g. at night) and where it is safe, secure and feasible to do so. Increase air flow through buildings wherever possible.
Evaporative cooling – dampening your skin may help keep you cool.
If you are using air conditioning, make sure it is using a fresh air supply, which is important to prevent spread of COVID-19.
Electric fans need to be used with caution, as they may not be safe for higher temperatures and should not be used where a person may be incubating or a case of COVID-19.

Those who intend on heading for a dip over the coming days are urged to follow the below rules.

Swim with others, never alone
Supervise children at all times
Don’t stay in the water too long
Wear a lifejacket when boating
Swim close and parallel to shore
Never swim after drifting objects
Beware of hidden hazards and currents
Swim between flags and be sure to know your flags at the beach or lake
If you or anyone else is struggling contact the emergency services immediately by calling 112 or 999.

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