The NHS has warned people to avoid alcohol, caffeine, and hot drinks as an amber weather alert for extreme heat is issued for much of England on Thursday. Temperatures are likely to peak at around 37°C in places, with the high temperatures mainly concentrated in the southern and eastern parts of the UK.
Health Risks Highlighted
The Met Office issued the amber alert, stating that adverse health effects are "likely to be experienced by those vulnerable to extreme heat" and that the wider population is likely to suffer from sunburn, heat exhaustion, and other heat-related illnesses.
The NHS has issued official advice, saying: "Many of us welcome hot weather, but when it's too hot, there are health risks. During heatwaves, more people than usual get seriously ill or die. When hot weather hits, make sure it does not harm you or anyone you know."
Stay Hydrated and Cool
An essential part of staying well in hot weather is to stay hydrated. The NHS explained that the main risks posed by a heatwave include not drinking enough water, which can cause dehydration, overheating, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. It urged people to eat cold food and drink regular cold drinks to manage body temperature and prevent dehydration.
The advice says: "Cool yourself down. Have cold food and regular cold drinks. Drink extra fluids but avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes."
Red Cross Similar Guidance
The British Red Cross has also issued similar guidance, urging people not to have alcohol or caffeine. It said: "Alcohol often goes hand in hand with sunny weather but, it is advised to limit consumption especially in the evening but causes poorer quality of sleep. Caffeinated drinks are diuretics and may encourage your body to lose fluids, risking dehydration as well as increase your body temperatures."
Dehydration Symptoms and Treatment
The NHS explained that dehydration means your body loses more fluids than you take in. If it isn't treated, it can worsen and become a serious problem, especially in babies, children, and older adults. Symptoms in adults and children include feeling thirsty, headache, lightheadedness, dark yellow, strong-smelling urine, or urinating less often than usual. You may also feel dizzy and tired, with sunken eyes or a dry mouth, lips, and tongue.
To treat dehydration, the NHS said: "You should drink fluids if you have symptoms of dehydration. If you feel sick or have been sick, you may find it hard to drink, so start with small sips and then gradually drink more. Avoid caffeinated drinks and alcohol as both will dehydrate you."
