A blistering heat wave that has affected some parts of the country‚ including Gauteng‚ has prompted a warning from the health authorities.

In an advisory‚ the National Department of Health warned that very high temperatures could result in heat related illnesses such as heat cramps and heat stroke with serious complications due to the rapid rise in body temperature.

Some of these conditions may be life threatening‚ it said. Factors that may increase the risks included being obese‚ dehydration‚ heart diseases‚ and alcohol use which could result in dehydration.

It said the following could assist in reducing the dangers of the heat wave conditions:

- Drink lots of water.

- A sugar-salt solution or a sports drink may be taken to replace the salt and minerals lost from heavy sweating.

- Avoids liquids that contain alcohol‚ caffeine and high sugar content as these causes the body to lose more body fluid

- Avoid strenuous activity in sun especially during high temperature hours (mid morning to early afternoon.

- Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity during high temperature hours. Exercise during the cooler times of the day e.g. between 4am and 7.00 am;

- Wear light weight and light coloured clothing‚ hats that provide shade from the sun. Use umbrellas and sunscreen.

- Keep children‚ the aged and sick persons indoors.

- Do not leave children and pets in a parked vehicle even with a window open.

- Ensure that pets have a cool place to relax and cool clean water to drink

It said signs and symptoms of severe heat stroke or exhaustion included the following:

- Mild symptoms: heavy sweating; muscle cramps; tiredness; weakness; dizziness; headache; nausea or vomiting‚ fainting. Move to a cool area‚ rest‚ take a cool bath.

- Heat cramps: muscle pains‚ or spasms in the abdomen‚ arms and legs. Get medical attention.

- Heat stroke: Extremely high temperature‚ skin feeling too hot‚ rapid pulse‚ Headache‚ dizziness‚ nausea‚ and confusion – Get medical attention urgently.