Hot weather risks and staying cool

<!DOCTYPE html>  <html lang="en-AU"> <head> <title>Hot weather risks and staying cool | healthdirect</title> <script src="https://www.google.com/recaptcha/api.js?render=6LeuO7AbAAAAAFFZKM3tkkJpyASWHzTJ-_fpMK7y" async defer></script> <meta name="apple-itunes-app" content="app-id=1021494621"> <meta name="description" content="Hot days and heatwaves can place extreme stress the body, and for some it can be dangerous. Here’s how to keep yourself and others cool and hydrated."> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"> <meta name="referrer" content="always" /> <meta name="DC.Format" schema="DCterms:IMT" content="http://purl.org/ontology/nhccn#text_html" /><meta name="DC.Type" content="http://purl.org/ontology/nhccn#text_html"> <meta name="DC.Title" xml:lang="EN" content="Hot weather risks and staying cool" /> <meta name="DC.Creator" content="Healthdirect Australia"> <meta name="DC.Subject" xml:lang="EN" content="Dehydration,Hot weather,Sun protection"> <meta name="DC.Publisher" content="Healthdirect Australia"> <meta name="DC.Date" scheme="ISO8601" content="2024-11-12T00:51:18.655Z"> <meta name="DC.Description" xml:lang="EN" content="Hot days and heatwaves can place extreme stress the body, and for some it can be dangerous. Here’s how to keep yourself and others cool and hydrated."> <meta name="DC.Rights" content="Healthdirect Australia"> <meta name="DC.Language" content="en-AU"> <meta property="og:title" content="Hot weather risks and staying cool" > <meta property="og:type" content="article" > <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hot-weather-risks-and-staying-cool" > <meta property="og:image" content="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/inline/original/healthdirect_logo.png"> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hot-weather-risks-and-staying-cool"> <link rel="amphtml" href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/amp/article/hot-weather-risks-and-staying-cool"> <script type="application/ld+json">{"mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"Who is most at risk from hot weather?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hot-weather-risks-and-staying-cool#Question1","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"Who is most at risk from hot weather? Answer","text":"While most people find extremely hot weather and heatwaves uncomfortable, some people have a higher risk than others of becoming ill. These include:\n\nadults aged over 65 years, babies and young children\npeople with long-term health conditions, for example heart or lung disease or diabetes\npeople living with overweight or obesity\npeople taking certain medicines\npeople who are socially isolated\npeople who work outdoors or in hot and poorly ventilated areas\npeople who are not accustomed to the heat, for example, overseas visitors","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hot-weather-risks-and-staying-cool#Answer1"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What heat-related illnesses should I look out for?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hot-weather-risks-and-staying-cool#Question2","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"What heat-related illnesses should I look out for? Answer","text":"Heat-related illness can quickly become life-threatening. If you or someone near you is very unwell and does not respond to cooling and rehydration quickly (within 10 minutes), call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.\n\nHeat rash\nThis is an itchy, painful rash commonly called 'prickly heat'. It is caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather, and particularly affects young children.\n\nHeat rash causes a cluster of red pimples or small blisters, particularly on the neck or upper chest, or in creases in the groin, elbow and under fat folds or the breasts.\n\nIf you have heat rash:\n\nMove to a cooler, less humid place.\nKeep the affected areas dry (powder can help). Avoid using ointments or creams because they keep the skin warm and moist which can make the condition worse.\nDehydration\nThis occurs when the body doesn't have enough water and other fluids to carry out its normal functions.\n\nSymptoms of dehydration include:\n\ndizziness\ntiredness\nirritability\nthirst\ndark yellow urine\nloss of appetite\nfainting\nIf you are dehydrated:\n\nDrink plenty of water or diluted fruit juice and avoid tea, coffee and alcohol.\nMove to somewhere cool (preferably air-conditioned), and if possible, use a spray bottle filled with water to cool you down.\nIf you have one, drink an oral rehydration solution to replace fluids and body salts.\nHeat cramps\nThese usually affect people who sweat a lot during strenuous activity, causing the body to lose salt and water. This can lead to heat cramps, which are muscle pains or spasms.\n\nHeat cramps can also be an early symptom of heat exhaustion.\n\nIf you experience heat cramps:\n\nStop all activity and lie in a cool place (preferably air-conditioned) with your legs slightly raised.\nDrink water or diluted fruit juice.\nHave a cool shower or bath.\nMassage your limbs to ease the spasms and apply cool packs.\nAvoid strenuous activity for a few hours after the cramps have subsided.\nIf heat cramps continue for more than one hour, seek medical attention.\n\nHeat exhaustion\nThis is the body’s reaction to losing excessive amounts of water and salt contained in sweat.\n\nSymptoms of heat exhaustion include:\n\nheavy sweating\npale skin\nfast and weak pulse rate\nfast and shallow breathing\nmuscle weakness or cramps\nnausea or vomiting\nheadache, dizziness or fainting\nIf you have symptoms of heat exhaustion:\n\nMove to a cool place (preferably air-conditioned) and lie down.\nRemove excess clothing, take small sips of cool fluids, and have a cool shower, bath or sponge bath.\nPlace cool packs under the armpits, on the groin or on the back of the neck to reduce body heat.\nHeat-related illness can quickly become life-threatening. If you or someone near you is very unwell and does not respond to cooling and rehydration quickly (within 10 minutes), call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.\n\nHeat stroke\nHeat stroke occurs when the body temperature is not controlled properly, and it rises above 40°C. It is the most serious heat-related illness and is a life-threatening emergency. Immediate first aid aimed at lowering the body temperature as quickly as possible is very important.\n\nSymptoms of heat stroke include:\n\na sudden rise in body temperature (above 40°C)\nred, hot dry skin (because sweating has stopped — though the person may still be sweaty if they have been exercising)\nintense thirst\nrapid pulse and rapid, shallow breathing\nnausea and vomiting\naggressive or bizarre behaviour, confusion, poor coordination or slurred speech\nloss of consciousness, seizures or coma\nIf you suspect you or someone else has heat stroke, call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance.\n\nWhile you are waiting for help:\n\nMove the person to a cool, shaded area and keep them as still as possible.\nRemove excess clothing.\nGive them small sips of water, if they are conscious and able to drink.\nBring their temperature down any way you can, for example, by gently spraying them with cool water from a spray bottle or garden hose, soaking their clothes with cool water, or sponging their body with cool water.\nPlace cool packs under their armpits, on the groin or on the back of their neck to reduce body heat.\nDo not give aspirin or paracetamol because they won’t help and may be harmful.","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hot-weather-risks-and-staying-cool#Answer2"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How can I stay well during hot weather?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hot-weather-risks-and-staying-cool#Question4","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"How can I stay well during hot weather? Answer","text":"Drink plenty of water\nThe best ways to avoid heat-related illness is to:\n\nDrink water, even if you don’t feel thirsty, because this can prevent you from becoming dehydrated.\nAvoid alcoholic, hot, or sugary drinks (including tea and coffee) because these can make dehydration worse.\nIf you go outside, carry a bottle of water with you.\nThe colour of your urine can help you know if you are drinking enough water to prevent being dehydrated. Use this urine colour chart to check how hydrated you are.\n\nKeep your body cool\nKeeping as cool as possible can also help you prevent heat-related illness. Some ways to do this include.\n\nStay out of the sun.\nDrink cold drinks and eat cold meals, such as salads and fruit.\nWear light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibres such as cotton.\nTake cool showers or baths.\nApply sunscreen and wear a hat, if you must go outside.\nPlan your day around the heat — avoid being outdoors between 11am and 5pm.\nMinimise physical activity.\nKeep your house cool\nShut curtains and blinds during the day.\nGo to a cool place such as a library, shopping centre, cinema or swimming pool, if you do not have air conditioning.\nStay in the coolest room in the house.\nUse the stove and oven as little as possible.\nTake care of others\nVisit or call elderly friends, neighbours or relatives at least once a day.\nCheck they have water in the fridge and encourage them to drink.\nHelp them go to a shopping centre, library or cinema with air conditioning.\nRemind children to drink water.\nNever leave babies, children or animals alone in a car, even if the air conditioner is on.\nEnsure animals have water and plenty of shade if they are outside.\nPlan ahead\nCheck the weather forecast and know who to call if you need help.\nAsk your doctor if you have any health conditions that mean you are at greater risk of heat-related illness, and what you need to do about them to keep well in the heat.\nIf you are unwell, contact your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.\nKeep your food safe\nMake sure food that needs refrigeration is properly stored, and defrost foods in the fridge, not on the kitchen bench.","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hot-weather-risks-and-staying-cool#Answer4"}}],"keywords":["dehydration","heat cramps","prickly heat","heat rash","summer health","heat stroke","heat exhaustion"],"@type":"FAQPage","about":["http://www.wikidata.org/entity/Q45311505","https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_exhaustion"],"name":"Hot weather risks and staying cool","description":"Hot days and heatwaves can place extreme stress the body, and for some it can be dangerous. Here’s how to keep yourself and others cool and hydrated.","publisher":{"knowsAbout":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q31207","@type":"Organization","name":"healthdirect","logo":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/#ImageObject","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/","url":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/"},"dateModified":"2024-02-02T13:04:00Z","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hot-weather-risks-and-staying-cool","@context":"http://schema.org","url":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hot-weather-risks-and-staying-cool","sameAs":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_illness"}</script> <script src="https://cdn-oc.readspeaker.com/script/8207/webReader/webReader.js?pids=wr" type="text/javascript" id="rs_req_Init"></script> <script> dataLayer = []; </script>  <script>(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src= 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); 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If you or someone near you is very unwell and does not respond to cooling and rehydration quickly (within 10 minutes), call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.</strong></p> </div> </div> <div class="cont_layout-standout"> <h2 id="key-facts">Key facts</h2> <ul> <li>Every year in Australia, hot weather and heat waves cause illness, hospitalisations and sometimes death.</li> <li>The best way to prevent heat-related illness is to drink plenty of water and to stay as cool as possible.</li> <li>Heat-related illnesses include dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and worsening of existing medical conditions.</li> <li>It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness, to recognise and treat affected people quickly.</li> </ul> </div> <nav class="cont_nav-index-table__double-col"> <h2>On this page</h2> <ul> <li><a href="#why-important">Why is it important to be aware about heat-related illnesses?</a></li> <li><a href="#most-at-risk">Who is most at risk from hot weather?</a></li> <li><a href="#stay-well">How can I stay well during hot weather?</a></li> <li><a href="#stay-safe-in-sun">How can I stay safe in the sun?</a></li> <li><a href="#after-heatwave">What should I do after a heatwave?</a></li> <li><a href="#heat-related-illnesses">What heat-related illnesses should I look out for?</a></li> <li><a href="#help">Where can I get help?</a></li> <li><a href="#resources">Resources and support</a></li> <li><a href="#searchGeneralResults">Related information on Australian websites</a></li> </ul> </nav> <h2 id="why-important">Why is it important to be aware about heat-related illnesses?</h2> <p>Heat related illnesses can have a mild to severe impact on anyone, and you may need to seek medical attention. However, some heat-related illnesses, such as heatstroke, can be life-threatening.</p> <p>In Australia, heat has killed more people than all other extreme weather events. Heatwaves are times of extreme heat, when the minimum and maximum temperatures are hotter than usual for 3 or more consecutive days.</p> <p>If temperatures continue to rise as predicted, heatwaves will become more frequent, hotter and last longer. This is why we all need to know how to prepare for high temperatures and how to provide first aid for heat-induced health conditions.</p> <h2 id="most-at-risk">Who is most at risk from hot weather?</h2> <p>While most people find extremely hot weather and heatwaves uncomfortable, some people have a higher risk than others of becoming ill. These include:</p> <ul> <li>adults aged over 65 years, babies and young children</li> <li>people with long-term health conditions, for example <a href="/heart-and-cardiovascular-conditions">heart</a> or <a href="/lung-conditions">lung</a> disease or <a href="/diabetes">diabetes</a></li> <li>people living with overweight or <a href="/obesity">obesity</a></li> <li>people taking certain medicines</li> <li>people who are socially isolated</li> <li>people who <a href="/workplace-health">work outdoors</a> or in hot and poorly ventilated areas</li> <li>people who are not accustomed to the heat, for example, overseas visitors</li> </ul> <h2 id="stay-well">How can I stay well during hot weather?</h2> <h3>Drink plenty of water</h3> <p>The best ways to avoid heat-related illness is to:</p> <ul> <li><a href="/drinking-water-and-your-health">Drink water</a>, even if you don’t feel thirsty, because this can prevent you from becoming dehydrated.</li> <li>Avoid <a href="/how-alcohol-affects-your-health">alcoholic</a>, hot, or sugary drinks (including tea and coffee) because these can make <a href="/dehydration">dehydration</a> worse.</li> <li>If you go outside, carry a bottle of water with you.</li> </ul> <p>The colour of your urine can help you know if you are drinking enough water to prevent being dehydrated. Use this <a href="/urine-colour-chart">urine colour chart</a> to check how hydrated you are.</p> <h3>Keep your body cool</h3> <p>Keeping as cool as possible can also help you prevent heat-related illness. Some ways to do this include.</p> <ul> <li>Stay out of the sun.</li> <li>Drink cold drinks and eat cold meals, such as salads and fruit.</li> <li>Wear light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibres such as cotton.</li> <li>Take cool showers or baths.</li> <li>Apply <a href="/sunburn">sunscreen</a> and wear a hat, if you must go outside.</li> <li>Plan your day around the heat — avoid being outdoors between 11am and 5pm.</li> <li>Minimise physical activity.</li> </ul> <h3>Keep your house cool</h3> <ul> <li>Shut curtains and blinds during the day.</li> <li>Go to a cool place such as a library, shopping centre, cinema or swimming pool, if you do not have air conditioning.</li> <li>Stay in the coolest room in the house.</li> <li>Use the stove and oven as little as possible.</li> </ul> <h3>Take care of others</h3> <ul> <li>Visit or call elderly friends, neighbours or relatives at least once a day.</li> <li>Check they have water in the fridge and encourage them to drink.</li> <li>Help them go to a shopping centre, library or cinema with air conditioning.</li> <li>Remind <a href="/hydration-tips-for-children">children to drink water</a>.</li> <li>Never leave babies, children or animals alone in a car, even if the air conditioner is on.</li> <li>Ensure animals have water and plenty of shade if they are outside.</li> </ul> <h3>Plan ahead</h3> <ul> <li>Check the weather forecast and know who to call if you need help.</li> <li>Ask your doctor if you have any health conditions that mean you are at greater risk of heat-related illness, and what you need to do about them to keep well in the heat.</li> <li>If you are unwell, contact your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.</li> </ul> <h3>Keep your food safe</h3> <p>Make sure food that needs refrigeration is properly stored, and defrost foods in the fridge, not on the kitchen bench.</p> <h2 id="stay-safe-in-sun">How can I stay safe in the sun?</h2> <p>If you need to go outside in the sun, it's important to protect your and your children's skin. If you avoid sunburn, you reduce the risk of <a href="/skin-cancer-and-melanomas">skin cancer</a>, which is one of the most common cancer types in Australia.</p> <p>See this <a href="/sunburn">sunburn and sun protection article</a> for sun protection tips.</p> <p>You should also check the UV index. When it is 3 or above, a UV Alert is issued by the Bureau of Meteorology, and you should use sun protection.</p> <p>The UV index is reported on the weather page of all Australian daily newspapers, on the <a href="http://www.bom.gov.au/uv/index.shtml" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">Bureau of Meteorology website</a> and on some radio and mobile weather forecasts.</p> <p>You can also check the UV Alert for cities and towns across Australia with the <a href="https://www.sunsmart.com.au/resources/uv-widget" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">SunSmart widget</a>, developed by <a href="https://www.cancervic.org.au/" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">Cancer Council Victoria</a>. Select your location and find out if sun protection is required.</p> <p>For smartphone users, Cancer Council Australia’s free <a href="https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/be-sunsmart/sunsmart-app">SunSmart app</a> is a great way to check the UV Alert wherever you are. iPhone users can download it at the <a href="https://apps.apple.com/au/app/sunsmart-global-uv/id1571645042" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">iTunes App Store</a>, and Android users at <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=au.org.cancervic.globaluv" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">Google Play</a>.</p> <figure> <a href="/sun-protection-infographic"> <img src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/inline/original/hd_sun-protection_infrographic_v2024-ef7a57.png" alt="Sun protection infographic: Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide." data-hda-inline-image=""> </a> <figcaption>Click to view this image in full: <a href="/sun-protection-infographic">Sun protection</a>.</figcaption> </figure> <h2 id="after-heatwave">What should I do after a heatwave?</h2> <p>When the heat has passed:</p> <ul> <li>Continue to drink plenty of water.</li> <li>Open windows and doors to let your house cool down.</li> <li>Contact family and friends to find out how they have coped and to see if they need help.</li> <li>Go to your doctor if you feel unwell.</li> </ul> <p>You might also like to think about how well you coped and if you would do anything differently next time. This may include making changes to your home to make it more comfortable during extreme heat periods.</p> <h2 id="heat-related-illnesses">What heat-related illnesses should I look out for?</h2> <div class="cont_layout-container"> <div class="cont_layout-media-object"> <i class="cont_layout-media-object-left dor-icon_warning" style="color:#e25553; font-size: 36px;"></i> <p class="cont_layout-media-object-right cont_label-small"><strong>Heat-related illness can quickly become life-threatening. If you or someone near you is very unwell and does not respond to cooling and rehydration quickly (within 10 minutes), call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.</strong></p> </div> </div> <h3>Heat rash</h3> <p>This is an itchy, painful rash commonly called <a href="/heat-rash">'prickly heat'</a>. It is caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather, and particularly affects young children.</p> <p>Heat rash causes a cluster of red pimples or small blisters, particularly on the neck or upper chest, or in creases in the groin, elbow and under fat folds or the breasts.</p> <p>If you have heat rash:</p> <ul> <li>Move to a cooler, less humid place.</li> <li>Keep the affected areas dry (powder can help). Avoid using ointments or creams because they keep the skin warm and moist which can make the condition worse.</li> </ul> <h3>Dehydration</h3> <p>This occurs when the body doesn't have enough water and other fluids to carry out its normal functions.</p> <p>Symptoms of dehydration include:</p> <ul> <li><a href="/dizziness">dizziness</a></li> <li>tiredness</li> <li>irritability</li> <li>thirst</li> <li>dark yellow urine</li> <li>loss of appetite</li> <li><a href="/fainting">fainting</a></li> </ul> <p>If you are dehydrated:</p> <ul> <li>Drink plenty of water or diluted fruit juice and avoid tea, coffee and alcohol.</li> <li>Move to somewhere cool (preferably air-conditioned), and if possible, use a spray bottle filled with water to cool you down.</li> <li>If you have one, drink an oral rehydration solution to replace fluids and body salts.</li> </ul> <h3>Heat cramps</h3> <p>These usually affect people who sweat a lot during strenuous activity, causing the body to lose salt and water. This can lead to heat cramps, which are muscle pains or spasms.</p> <p>Heat cramps can also be an early symptom of heat exhaustion.</p> <p>If you experience heat cramps:</p> <ul> <li>Stop all activity and lie in a cool place (preferably air-conditioned) with your legs slightly raised.</li> <li>Drink water or diluted fruit juice.</li> <li>Have a cool shower or bath.</li> <li>Massage your limbs to ease the spasms and apply cool packs.</li> <li>Avoid strenuous activity for a few hours after the cramps have subsided.</li> </ul> <p>If heat cramps continue for more than one hour, seek medical attention.</p> <h3>Heat exhaustion</h3> <p>This is the body’s reaction to losing excessive amounts of water and salt contained in sweat.</p> <p>Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:</p> <ul> <li>heavy sweating</li> <li>pale skin</li> <li>fast and weak pulse rate</li> <li>fast and <a href="/shortness-of-breath">shallow breathing</a></li> <li>muscle weakness or cramps</li> <li>nausea or <a href="/vomiting">vomiting</a></li> <li><a href="/headaches">headache</a>, dizziness or fainting</li> </ul> <p>If you have symptoms of heat exhaustion:</p> <ul> <li>Move to a cool place (preferably air-conditioned) and lie down.</li> <li>Remove excess clothing, take small sips of cool fluids, and have a cool shower, bath or sponge bath.</li> <li>Place cool packs under the armpits, on the groin or on the back of the neck to reduce body heat.</li> </ul> <div class="cont_layout-container"> <div class="cont_layout-media-object"> <i class="cont_layout-media-object-left dor-icon_warning" style="color:#e25553; font-size: 36px;"></i> <p class="cont_layout-media-object-right cont_label-small"><strong>Heat-related illness can quickly become life-threatening. If you or someone near you is very unwell and does not respond to cooling and rehydration quickly (within 10 minutes), call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.</strong></p> </div> </div> <h3>Heat stroke</h3> <p><a href="/heatstroke">Heat stroke</a> occurs when the body temperature is not controlled properly, and it rises above 40°C. It is the most serious heat-related illness and is a life-threatening emergency. Immediate first aid aimed at lowering the body temperature as quickly as possible is very important.</p> <p>Symptoms of heat stroke include:</p> <ul> <li>a sudden rise in body temperature (above 40°C)</li> <li>red, hot dry skin (because sweating has stopped — though the person may still be sweaty if they have been exercising)</li> <li>intense thirst</li> <li>rapid pulse and rapid, shallow breathing</li> <li>nausea and vomiting</li> <li>aggressive or bizarre behaviour, confusion, poor coordination or slurred speech</li> <li>loss of consciousness, <a href="/seizures">seizures</a> or coma</li> </ul> <div class="cont_layout-container"> <div class="cont_layout-media-object"> <i class="cont_layout-media-object-left dor-icon_warning" style="color:#e25553; font-size: 36px;"></i> <p class="cont_layout-media-object-right cont_label-small"><strong>If you suspect you or someone else has heat stroke, call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance.</strong></p> </div> </div> <p>While you are waiting for help:</p> <ul> <li>Move the person to a cool, shaded area and keep them as still as possible.</li> <li>Remove excess clothing.</li> <li>Give them small sips of water, if they are conscious and able to drink.</li> <li>Bring their temperature down any way you can, for example, by gently spraying them with cool water from a spray bottle or garden hose, soaking their clothes with cool water, or sponging their body with cool water.</li> <li>Place cool packs under their armpits, on the groin or on the back of their neck to reduce body heat.</li> <li>Do not give <a href="/medicines/medicinal-product/aht,10203/aspirin">aspirin</a> or <a href="/paracetamol">paracetamol</a> because they won’t help and may be harmful.</li> </ul> <h2 id="help">Where can I get help?</h2> <p>If you are unwell, contact your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.</p> <p>While you are waiting for an ambulance try to cool yourself down. You can do this by placing icepacks under your armpits, on your groin or on the back of the neck to reduce body heat. Take a cool shower or spray yourself with cool water from a spray bottle.</p> <p>You can also call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to talk to a registered nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria).</p> <a href="/australian-health-services" class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout"> <i class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-left dor-icon_hospital"></i> <p class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-right"><strong>FIND A HEALTH SERVICE</strong> — The <strong class="cont_underline">Service Finder</strong> can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.</p> </a> <h2 id="resources">Resources and support</h2> <p>Contact your local council or your state or territory health authority for information for your area:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.act.gov.au/health/topics/summer-safety" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">Australian Capital Territory</a>: (02) 5124 9700</li> <li><a href="https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/beattheheat/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">New South Wales</a>: (02) 9391 9000</li> <li><a href="https://nt.gov.au/wellbeing/health-conditions-treatments/heat-stress" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">Northern Territory</a>: (08) 8999 2400</li> <li><a href="https://www.qld.gov.au/health/staying-healthy/environmental/heatsafe" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">Queensland</a>: 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84)</li> <li><a href="https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/healthy+living/protecting+your+health/environmental+health/healthy+in+the+heat/healthy+in+the+heat" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">South Australia</a>: (08) 8226 6000</li> <li><a href="https://www.health.tas.gov.au/extreme-heat" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">Tasmania</a>: 1300 513 997</li> <li><a href="https://www.health.vic.gov.au/environmental-health/extreme-heat-and-heatwaves" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">Victoria</a>: 1300 761 874</li> <li><a href="https://www.healthywa.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/F_I/Heatwave-be-prepared-for-extreme-heat" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">Western Australia</a>: (08) 9222 4222</li> </ul> <p>The Government of South Australia has provided useful fact sheets.</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/2e1d0880431be06eb42eff5fdfb58e26/Healthy+in+the+heat+-+a+guide+-+WEB+version.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&amp;CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE-2e1d0880431be06eb42eff5fdfb58e26-nwKME1e" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">HEAT — A guide to coping with hot weather and heatwaves</a>.</li> <li><a href="https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/healthy+living/protecting+your+health/environmental+health/healthy+in+the+heat/fact+sheets+and+resources+for+staying+healthy+in+the+heat" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">Fact sheets and resources for staying healthy in the heat</a>, which include advice for pregnant women, babies and older people, as well as fact sheets in multiple languages.</li> </ul> <p>Learn how to <a href="/blog/5-ways-to-protect-your-health-from-the-effects-of-climate-change">protect your health</a> from the effects of climate change.</p></div> <footer class="main_content-article-text-footer"> <div> <h4>Source<span>s</span>:</h4> <span> <a href="https://www.nma.gov.au" target="_blank" title="National Museum Australia">National Museum Australia</a> <em>(Defining Moments: Heatwaves)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://knowledge.aidr.org.au" target="_blank" title="Australian Knowledge for Disaster Resilience">Australian Knowledge for Disaster Resilience</a> <em>(Health – South-eastern Australian Heatwave)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.healthywa.health.wa.gov.au" target="_blank" title="Government of WA">Government of WA</a> <em>(Heat – Be prepared for extreme heat)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.health.nsw.gov.au" target="_blank" title="NSW Health">NSW Health</a> <em>(People at Risk of heat related illnesses – Beat the Heat)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.health.nsw.gov.au" target="_blank" title="NSW Health">NSW Health</a> <em>(How to stay healthy in the heat)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.cancer.org.au" target="_blank" title="Cancer Council">Cancer Council</a> <em>(UV Index)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.rch.org.au" target="_blank" title="The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne">The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne</a> <em>(Dehydration)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://stjohn.org.au" target="_blank" title="St John Ambulance of Australia">St John Ambulance of Australia</a> <em>(Heat-induced illnesses)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/" target="_blank" title="NSW Health">NSW Health</a> <em>(Heat-related Illness)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/" target="_blank" title="AIHW">AIHW</a> <em>(Let’s talk about the weather: injuries related to extreme weather)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/" target="_blank" title="Department of Health and Aged Care">Department of Health and Aged Care</a> <em>(National Health and Climate Strategy)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/" target="_blank" title="NSW health">NSW health</a> <em>(Heat risks: people over 65 years)<span></span></em> </span> </div> </footer> <p>Learn more here about the <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/about-our-content">development and quality assurance of healthdirect content</a>.</p> <p>Last reviewed: February 2023</p> <div class="main_content-back-to-top"><a href="#backToTop"><i class="dor-icon_caret-up"></i><br><span class="tablet-up__inline">Back To </span>Top</a></a></div> </main>  <section class="main_content-links print-hidden"> <section class="related-pages-section"> <h2>Related pages</h2> <ul> <li> <a href="/blog/5-ways-to-protect-your-health-from-the-effects-of-climate-change" title="5 ways to protect your health from the effects of climate change">5 ways to protect your health from the effects of climate change</a> </li> <li> <a href="/blog/how-to-handle-the-heatwave" title="How to take care of yourself in a heatwave">How to take care of yourself in a heatwave</a> </li> </ul> </section> <section class="related-concept-section"> <h2>Search our site for</h2> <ul> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Dehydration" title="Search results for:Dehydration">Dehydration</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Sun protection" title="Search results for:Sun protection">Sun protection</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Bushfires" title="Search results for:Bushfires">Bushfires</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Prickly Heat" title="Search results for:Prickly Heat">Prickly Heat</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Heat Exhaustion" title="Search results for:Heat Exhaustion">Heat Exhaustion</a> </li> </ul> </section> </section>  <section class="main_content-search"> <header> <h2>Need more information?</h2> <p>These trusted information partners have more on this topic.</p> </header> <div class="main_content-general-text"> <div> <div class="main_content-search-results-partners"> <nav class="dor-tabs__2 veyron-search-tabs" role="tablist"> <label class="dor-tabs_item" role="tab" aria-controls="searchGeneralResults" aria-selected="true"> <input type="radio" checked name="tab"> <div class="dor-tabs_item-btn veyron-search-tab-btn">General search results</div> </label> <label class="dor-tabs_item" role="tab" aria-controls="searchProfessionalResults" aria-selected="false"> <input type="radio" name="tab"> <div class="dor-tabs_item-btn veyron-search-tab-btn">Results for medical professionals</div> </label> </nav> <section id="searchGeneralResults" data-total-records="76"> <p>Top results</p> <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/heat-stress-and-heat-related-illness" data-partner-url="partners/better-health-channel" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|e13187f7-d754-420a-9909-a9c0c7c795b9"> <h3>Heat-related health problems - Better Health Channel</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Heat kills more Australians than any natural disaster. Find out how you can treat and prevent heat-related illness, including heatstroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramp and heat rash.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Better Health Channel website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Better Health Channel" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/bhc-rectangle-image-e99950.png"> </a> <a href="https://mydr.com.au/sports-fitness/heat-stroke-and-heat-exhaustion/" data-partner-url="partners/mydr" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|bbebf391-e00a-43a8-85e3-b39c52e2edcb"> <h3>Heat stroke and heat exhaustion - myDr.com.au</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>When your body can't keep itself cool you can develop heat illnesses, ranging from heat cramps to heat exhaustion and, most serious of all, heat stroke.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on MyDoctor website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MyDoctor" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mydoctor-new_logo-1f39cc.png"> </a> <a href="https://mydr.com.au/skin-hair/heat-rash-or-prickly-heat/" data-partner-url="partners/mydr" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|5cebb23e-240e-4eb1-95ed-dbd61d0e68c1"> <h3>Heat rash or prickly heat - myDr.com.au</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Heat rash or prickly heat is caused by blockage of sweat glands during times of high heat or humidity, causing itching or prickling of the skin.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on MyDoctor website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MyDoctor" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mydoctor-new_logo-1f39cc.png"> </a> <a href="https://farmerhealth.org.au/2017/03/20/heat-stress-and-heat-stroke" data-partner-url="partners/national-centre-for-farmer-health" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|8297fb5d-fb87-413f-a2a9-2b7c8b77f023"> <h3>Heat stress and heat stroke | National Centre for Farmer Health</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Heat stress is one of the biggest health risks associated with heat waves. There are three stages of heat stress: heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Read more...</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on National Centre for Farmer Health website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="National Centre for Farmer Health" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/farmerhealth-logo-a8d0a3.png"> </a> <a href="https://nt.gov.au/wellbeing/health-conditions-treatments/heat-stress" data-partner-url="partners/nt-health" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|8b9d1d08-d780-47d7-a295-4c5f71b51348"> <h3>Heat stress | NT.GOV.AU</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Avoiding heat stress, people at risk, minor conditions, heat exhaustion and heat stroke or hyperthermia.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on NT Health website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="NT Health" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/nt-healh_newlogo-191907.png"> </a> <a href="https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/a-z-health-reference/heat-rash" data-partner-url="partners/raisingchildren.net.au" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|3bcae642-e02b-4ab4-85bd-5b6f5177e408"> <h3>Heat rash or prickly heat | Raising Children Network</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Heat rash (prickly heat or miliaria) is little spots on the skin. It might appear if your child overheats. 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