NHS England North West has urged people to take precautions to keep well ahead of the warm weather returning across the region towards the end of the week. The advice to stay safe comes as temperatures are set to rise once again, with UVA and pollen levels potentially becoming very high.

While many will enjoy the sunshine, it is important people ensure they take all the necessary precautions to avoid becoming unwell through overheating (becoming uncomfortably hot), dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke.

Dr Gareth Wallis,  Medical Director for System Improvement and Professional Standards, for NHS England in the North West said: “With a spell of hot weather coming, we know people will be looking forward to getting out and about and enjoying it and we just want to make sure people have all the information they need to stay safe by taking precautions to keep well and avoid putting pressure on services.

“Staying out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm can lower the risk of becoming unwell, and if you are going to do a physical activity, for example exercise or walking the dog, plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler such as the morning or evening.”

Dr Wallis also suggested drinking plenty of fluids, applying sunscreen, and limiting alcohol intake. He said, “Hot weather can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, lung problems, and other diseases. Older people, babies and young children are more likely to become unwell in hot weather because their bodies are less able to regulate temperature. People with underlying medical conditions can also be vulnerable to the effects of hot weather.”

People who are at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell include:

• older people aged 65 years and over (note change from previous guidance of 75 years of age and above)
• babies and young children aged 5 years and under
• people with underlying health conditions particularly heart problems, breathing problems, dementia, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, or mobility problems
• people on certain medications
• people with serious mental health problems
• people who are already ill and dehydrated (for example from diarrhoea and vomiting)
• people who experience alcohol or drug dependence
• people who are physically active and spend a lot of time outside such as runners, cyclists, and walkers
• people who work in jobs that require manual labour or extensive time outside
• people experiencing homelessness, including rough sleepers and those who are unable to make adaptations to their living accommodation such as sofa surfers or living in hostels.
• people who live alone and may be unable to care for themselves

Chris Grant, Medical Director for North West Ambulance Service, said: “During sunny weekends we tend to receive more 999 calls for alcohol-related incidents and accidents outside, as well as exacerbations of existing conditions. Many accidents and emergencies can be easily avoided by taking a bit of extra care to stay safe and keep well whilst enjoying the warm weather.

“As always, we are here for you if you need us – dial 999 for life-threatening conditions and use 111 online or by phone if you need help quickly but it’s not an emergency.”

Dr Merav Kliner, from UKHSA North West said: “Hot weather is something many people look forward to but it’s worth remembering that warm spells can pose health risks for some people. It’s important to protect yourself and others from too much sun or heat, to carry water when travelling and to think of those, such as young children or older people, who may not cope as well in the heat.”

Dr Wallis added: “It’s important you continue taking all your prescribed medicines unless advised not to by a medical professional – some medications need to be stored below 25°C or in the fridge, following the storage instructions on the packaging. If you have any health concerns, please use NHS 111 online as your first point of contact for non-emergency medical advice.”

With lots of events planned in the North West, health services may be under pressure, and A&E departments and the NHS 111 phone service will be busy. As a result, people should use NHS 111 online as their first point of contact for non-emergency medical advice. NHS 111 online is not available for children under 5. People looking for urgent medical help for under 5s should use the NHS 111 phone line.