Summer heat can be more than uncomfortable — it can be dangerous. When temperatures soar, especially during a heat wave, the risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke rises sharply. Both can cause serious complications, including organ failure, brain damage, or even death.
The good news: most heat-related illnesses are preventable. By learning the warning signs and knowing when to get medical help, you can keep yourself and your family safe all season long.
Who’s at Higher Risk?
Some groups are more vulnerable to heat-related illness:
- Older adults
- Young children
- People with chronic health conditions
- Those taking medications like diuretics or certain blood pressure drugs
Tips for protecting high-risk individuals:
- Ensure access to air conditioning or visit cooling centers
- Encourage frequent water breaks
- Offer cool showers or damp towels
- Check in regularly during extreme heat
Heat Exhaustion: Early Warning Signs
Heat exhaustion happens when your body overheats from prolonged exposure to high temperatures, often combined with dehydration.
Normal body temperature: 97–99°F
Heat exhaustion range: 98.6–104°F
Common symptoms include:
- Heavy sweating
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fatigue or weakness
- Headache
- Rapid heartbeat
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea or vomiting
Heat exhaustion can affect anyone, but outdoor workers, athletes, and people without access to cooling are at higher risk. If untreated, it can progress to heatstroke — a life-threatening emergency.
What to Do if You See Heat Exhaustion
If you notice symptoms of heat exhaustion in yourself, a loved one, or someone nearby, act quickly:
- Move to a cool, shaded, or air-conditioned space
- Loosen or remove excess clothing
- Sip water or an electrolyte drink slowly
- Apply cool, damp cloths to the skin
- Lie down and elevate the legs
If symptoms don’t improve within an hour, visit your nearest Midwest Express Clinic or seek urgent care. If you suspect heatstroke, call 911 immediately
Heatstroke: A Medical Emergency
Heat stroke is the most dangerous heat-related illness. It occurs when your core body temperature rises above 104°F, causing severe neurological symptoms and requiring immediate emergency care.
Call 911 immediately if you notice:
- Slurred speech or unusual behavior
- Confusion or disorientation
- Trouble walking or keeping balance
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Red, hot, dry skin
- Rapid, strong heartbeat
- Shallow breathing
Delaying treatment can lead to permanent organ damage or death.
Outdoor Activities and Hot Weather
Sports, physical labor, and strenuous exercise in the heat increase the risk of heat illness.
To stay safe:
- Take breaks in shade or air-conditioned areas
- Drink water or electrolyte drinks often
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing
- Schedule activities early in the morning or evening
- Apply sunscreen to prevent sunburn, which reduces your body’s ability to cool down
Tips to Prevent Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke
- Stay hydrated — drink water or electrolyte beverages all day
- Dress smart — light, loose clothing and a wide-brimmed hat
- Avoid peak heat — between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Cool off often — take breaks every 20–30 minutes in the shade or indoors
- Ease into the heat — let your body adjust gradually
- Protect your skin — SPF 30+ sunscreen, reapplied every 2 hours
Midwest Express Clinic Can Help — Stay Cool and Healthy
Extreme heat can be dangerous, but with awareness and quick action, it’s possible to stay safe. Midwest Express Clinic is here with fast, compassionate care when you need it most. Our urgent care providers can assess heat-related symptoms, provide IV hydration, and refer you to emergency care if necessary. We also offer wellness visits and education on hydration and sun safety to help you avoid future heat-related illnesses.
Find your nearest location at midwestexpressclinic.com/locations.
