People at risk of heat-related health problems

Elderly

• Elderly people may not have air conditioning or be able to afford the cost of running it.
• They may also live with medical illnesses (e.g. Diabetes, Dementia, Renal Disease, Heart Disease) which means they are more likely to get sick from the heat.

Babies and very young children

• Very young children have little bodies that cannot easily cope with changing temperatures.
• The younger the child, the quicker they will start to show signs of dehydration or heat stress.
• Sick children need special attention in hot weather, even for minor illnesses such as a cold or hay fever.
• Read more about caring for children.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women have an increased metabolism which means they need to eat and drink more to stay healthy.
• When it is very hot, they are at an increased risk of dehydration if they don’t have enough food and water.

People with medical conditions

• People with medical conditions are at an increased risk of dehydration when it is very hot because of their medical treatments.
• Many medical treatments can reduce the amount of fluid (water) in your body.
• People with chronic medical conditions such as dementia, delirium and mental health may need support to make the right decisions to eat and drink enough.

People who take certain medications

These medications include:

• allergy medicines (antihistamines)
• blood pressure and heart medications (beta-blockers)
• fluid tablets (diuretics)
• anti-depressant or anti-psychotic medications.

People with an alcohol or other drug problem

• People with an alcohol or drug problems can be unaware of what they need, because their senses are affected.
• Some drugs can cause a person’s metabolism and body temperature to rise which means they are at an increased risk of dehydration and heat stress.

People with an intellectual disability or additional needs

• People with an intellectual disability or additional needs often rely on others to help them understand how they feel and what they need.
• When it is very hot, this happens more often, and they need support to eat well and to stay well hydrated.

People who are physically active outdoors

• People who are physically active, such as tradespeople and athletes, are used to pushing their bodies to the limit.
• When it is very hot, people's limits may be reduced and can often be underestimated, so they need to take extra steps to stay well hydrated.

Watch Martin's story