This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Public urged to enjoy sun safely amid hot weather
Ruth May, England’s most senior nurse, has urged the public to look out for vulnerable relatives and neighbours when temperatures soar this weekend, revealing that thousands end up in hospital each year due to heat and allergies.
The Chief Nursing Officer was talking ahead of what is expected to be the hottest day of the year, and urged the public to help prevent children, older people and other vulnerable groups falling victim to the sun’s heat and rays, and to use the NHS website and free 111 phoneline for fast advice on how to get the right help if things do go wrong.
NHS England say that nearly 3,000 people were admitted to hospital because of heat-related ailments in 2017/18, including 632 with severe sunburn, 100 cases of heat exhaustion and 223 cases of sun- and heat-stroke – and these figures did not cover last summer’s heatwave. A further 3,000 people were admitted to hospital due to the effects of pollen and 5,700 due to being stung by wasps, hornets, and other insects.
May said: “Like lots of people I’m looking forward to having fun in the sun with family and friends this weekend, but nobody wants to spend a pleasant day stuck in a hospital or urgent treatment centre. So whether you’re going to be out in the garden like me or heading off to Glastonbury, it’s really important to take simple precautions like drinking plenty of water, using high-factor sunscreen and remembering to take allergy medication if you need it – as is making sure to check in on neighbours and loved ones who can suffer the most from heat and pollen.
“And while the NHS will always be there for those who need it, people with minor illnesses and injuries can help frontline staff provide care quickly for those in the greatest need. People should talk before they walk, and join the hundreds of thousands getting fast and free advice on the best course of action for them from the NHS.uk website or 111 phone line.”
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