A special circular on the heatwave has been issued by the Health Ministry with guidelines for high temperatures and the groups most at risk, while the emergency weather warning has been updated, with Tuesday and Wednesday expected to be the most challenging days. The temperature rise will be visible across the country in the next 24 hours, with values reaching particularly high levels and exceeding even 40°C in several areas. In this context, as emphasized, the Health Ministry issued a circular with guidelines for preventing the effects of high temperatures. The upcoming temperature surge, combined with increased humidity and lack of wind, may adversely affect citizens’ health, particularly those belonging to vulnerable groups.
When environmental temperature reaches levels that are not tolerable for the human body, pathological conditions of varying severity may occur. These include severe headaches, weakness and fatigue, fainting tendencies, blood pressure drops, nausea, vomiting, and rapid heartbeat. In more serious cases, heat stroke may occur, manifesting with very high body temperature (above 40.5°C), dry, red, and hot skin without sweating, dry and swollen tongue, severe headache, dizziness, confusion, delirium, rapid breathing, convulsions, or even loss of consciousness.
Deputy Health Minister Irini Agapidaki stated: “During periods of extreme weather events such as heatwaves, protecting human life and public health is an absolute priority. We call on all citizens, especially the most vulnerable, to faithfully follow protection guidelines. We work in full coordination with involved agencies for effective prevention and rapid response where needed. Caring for others, especially the elderly, children, and sick, is everyone’s responsibility.”
Health Ministry: Protection guidelines from heatwave
Staying in cool and air-conditioned spaces is recommended, along with wearing light, light-colored clothing and hats, and avoiding sun exposure and physical activity from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Frequent showers, consuming light meals and plenty of fluids – preferably water and natural juices, while avoiding alcohol – are suggested. In case of intense sweating, additional salt intake may be needed, always in consultation with a doctor.
People with chronic diseases should contact their treating physician for possible medication changes. Caring for the elderly is of utmost importance, with daily communication and support. Workplaces and institutions hosting vulnerable groups (e.g., newborns, children, elderly, disabled) must have air conditioning or fans and adequate ventilation.
First aid in case of heat stroke (until hospital transfer):
· Move the person to a cool, well-ventilated, and shaded place or preferably to an air-conditioned space.
· Remove clothing.
· Place ice packs or cool compresses on the neck, armpits, and groin area.
· Immerse in a bathtub with cold water, cool shower, or water spray.
· Provide cool fluids in small sips, if the person is conscious.
· Immediately call for medical help and transport to a medical facility.
Who faces the greatest risk from high temperatures
· elderly people
· babies and young children
· pregnant and breastfeeding women
· overweight or obese individuals
· people working or exercising intensively in hot environments
· people with chronic conditions (cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes, lung diseases, blood disorders, kidney diseases, liver diseases, mental illness, dementia, alcoholism, or drug abuse, etc.)
· people with acute illness, such as infection with fever or gastroenteritis (diarrhea and/or vomiting)
· people taking medications for their chronic diseases for purely medical reasons, such as diuretics, anticholinergics, psychiatric drugs, hormonal treatments (including insulin and antidiabetic tablets). Especially during periods of high environmental temperatures, they should consult their doctor about possible dosage modifications.
The Health Ministry remains in full operational readiness and cooperation with all relevant agencies to ensure public health.
Hellenic Pneumonological Society: Ways to protect against heatwave
Heatwaves in Greece pose a serious public health risk, with dozens of heat stroke cases recorded every summer. Despite the fact that high temperatures are common in our country, lack of proper information leads to increased health risks, as emphasized by the Hellenic Pneumonological Society. Proper preparation and implementation of appropriate protective measures can save lives during heatwave episodes.
What is a heatwave and how does it affect the body
A heatwave is defined as the summer period when temperature significantly exceeds the seasonal average. The presence of increased humidity levels makes high temperatures particularly dangerous for the human body.
Our body maintains stable internal temperature through natural mechanisms, mainly sweating. However, when the environment presents excessive heat, these mechanisms are insufficient to eliminate excess heat. Rising body temperature can cause serious damage to the brain and other vital organs.
Which groups face the greatest risk from heatwaves
Specific population groups are at higher risk from heatwave high temperatures. The elderly, young children, and those suffering from chronic cardiovascular or respiratory diseases, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, are in vulnerable categories.
Even younger people may be at risk when exercising or performing intense physical work during heatwaves, consuming alcohol, not protecting themselves from the sun, or not taking adequate fluids.
Factors that increase risk during heatwaves
Health risk increases significantly under specific conditions:
• Increased humidity levels in the environment
• Exercise or intense physical work during heatwaves
• Alcohol consumption
• Use of medications causing fluid loss, such as diuretics
• Inadequate fluid intake
• Obesity
• Cardiac or respiratory problems
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke: symptoms and differences
Exposure to high temperatures can lead from heat exhaustion to heat stroke, which is a more serious condition.
During heat exhaustion, rising body temperature and fluid loss cause intense discomfort and weakness, fainting tendencies, headache, dizziness, muscle cramps, intense thirst, sweating with possibly cold skin, and rapid heartbeat.
If heat exhaustion symptoms are not addressed immediately, they may develop into heat stroke. Heat stroke additionally involves loss of consciousness, confusion, disorientation, and major body temperature increase (≥40 to 41°C).
Practical protection tips against heatwaves
The best protection from heatwaves is achieved by implementing specific guidelines. Avoid exposure to high temperatures and stay in cool, air-conditioned spaces. Postpone outdoor work or exercise and reduce unnecessary movements.
Wear comfortable, light, light-colored clothing and use hats and sunglasses. Make sure you are adequately hydrated before leaving home and drink plenty of fluids while outdoors.
Avoid alcohol and heavy meals. Your diet should consist of light and small meals, fruits and vegetables, avoiding fatty foods.
Immediate measures in case of discomfort
If you feel the slightest discomfort, immediately seek an air-conditioned space, drink sufficient fluids, and if possible, take a lukewarm shower. Alternatively, place wet compresses on the head and neck.
If you suffer from chronic cardiovascular or respiratory diseases, be extra careful during heatwave periods and faithfully follow your doctor’s instructions.
Protecting vulnerable groups and social solidarity
Protect young children and elderly people by moving them to cool and air-conditioned spaces. Ensure they are supervised throughout the heatwave.
If you know there are elderly people alone in neighboring apartments or houses, ensure there is communication and that they have been provided with necessary protective measures. Your concern can save a life.
Special guidelines for patients with respiratory problems
Patients with respiratory problems, such as asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, face additional risk during heatwave periods. For this reason, they should follow general protection guidelines, take their daily medication, and have clear instructions in case they develop symptoms such as difficulty breathing and coughing.
