The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health reminded the public on August 24 to guard against heat-related illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, during very hot weather. It said excessive sweating and difficulty dissipating heat can stress the body.

Over the past five years, the CHP reported more than 200 hospital admissions due to heat stroke each year in Hong Kong, with two to five fatal cases occurring mainly during the May-to-September summer months. It listed infants and young children, the elderly, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or high blood pressure, overweight people and outdoor or manual workers as more susceptible.

Advice included timely hydration, light loose clothing, well-ventilated indoor spaces, avoiding strenuous or prolonged outdoor activity, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol. The CHP said people should watch for dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion and seek help promptly, and advised attention to ultraviolet index forecasts, sunscreen and shade when the index is 6 or above.