The North West’s lead doctor has shared his tips for staying well in hot weather after a yellow heat health alert was issued for the North West.

The warning from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is in place from 9am today (Tuesday 12 August) until 6pm tomorrow (13 August), with high temperatures forecast to continue in the region into early next week. The hot weather increases the risk of health impacts across the wider population such as deteriorating air quality, higher pollen counts, which could affect people with respiratory conditions and allergies.

Dr Michael Gregory, Regional Medical Director for NHS England in the North West, reminded people to take all the necessary precautions to avoid becoming unwell through overheating (becoming uncomfortably hot), dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke.

He said: “Most people will be enjoying the sunny weather and taking the opportunity to get out and about, so we just want to make sure people have all the information they need to stay safe in the sun by taking precautions to keep well and avoid needing to use NHS 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 Gregory added: “People need to make sure they drink plenty of water, apply sunscreen, and limit alcohol intake. 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 in hot weather 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

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 Gregory 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.”

Community pharmacy can be the first stop for health care this summer, with pharmacists able to manage everything from stings, bites, and allergies to sunburn and dehydration. Popping into your nearest community pharmacy enables you to get treated quickly, without delays, and getting you back to enjoying holiday, barbecue, or garden work. For more confidential health issue all pharmacies have a private consultation room. To find your nearest pharmacy go to nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy/ 

With lots of events planned in the North West this weekend, 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.

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