The prolonged hot weather in recent days has significantly increased the risk of contracting diseases, especially amongst the elderly and children. Doctors, therefore,  recommends that everyone need map out highly reasonable diets and daily routines in a bid to protect themselves from common diseases relating to the scorching heat in the summer.

A doctor examines a sick child at the Da Nang Maternity and Pediatrics Hospital. Photo: PHAN CHUNG

Thermal shock prevention for the elderly

According to Doctor Cao Chi Hieu, Head of Geriatric Department at the Da Nang-based C Hospital in Da Nang, the hot weather prevailing over many parts of the city in recent days has forced the elderly to fall victim of many health problems.

He explained, older adults are especially vulnerable to developing heatstroke, the most serious heat-related illness, when temperatures are high because of the aging body's decreased capacity to adapt to sudden changes in body temperature. Thermal shock can occur as the elderly enter an air-conditioned room or take a bath after being under the sun. It will be difficult for elderly citizens to adapt with temperatures that are too high or low, and they would eventually get sick.

It is, therefore, highly recommended that residents avoid staying under the sun for too long, especially between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. Staying hydrated is also a must during this harsh weather pattern.

The elderly should pay more attention to ensuring proper nutrition and personal hygiene, taking rest and doing physical exercise. “It is necessary to arrange a clean and ventilated resting place with outdoor air to minimise activities conduced directly under the sun. In particular, ensuring a suitable diet containing lots of fruit and vegetables should kept in mind.

Take good care of children

In recent days, the Da Nang Pediatrics and Maternity Hospital has received many children suffering from digestive and respiratory diseases caused by high temperatures for examination and treatment.

According to doctor Le Van Dung, Deputy Head of the Department of General Examination – Emergency at the hospital, common diseases linked to the hot weather during these scorching days include diarrhea, food poisoning and viral infections.

In addition, hot weather and high ambient temperature make children suffer from heat rash, which causes red bumps on the skin, and a prickly or itchy feeling to the skin (also known as prickly heat).

More dangerous, children can get heatstroke if they play outside for too long, because the body loses water and mineral salts through the excretion of sweat on the skin, through the breath.

Parents is advised to pay close attention if their kids develop such symptoms as fever, coughing, and runny nose, which can worsen quickly under the hot weather.

Also, it is necessary to guide kids on how to create good personal hygiene habits such as washing hands properly before eating, after going to the toilet and playing, which will help children effectively remove dangerous pathogens. Anther important note is to  supplement the necessary amount of water for kids, especially drinks rich in minerals and vitamins in a bid to help them always stay healthy during harsh weather conditions.

Besides, the unpleasant pattern of weather can also cause food to spoil easily and germs to proliferate, thus resulting in intestinal diseases. Therefore, ensuring food safety and hygiene is also of significance.

Doctors advise that the elderly should have regular health checks and meals with enough nutrition and vitamin, while everyone should drink about two litres of water per day. If people have to go outside, they should have enough protective clothes and keep time in the sun to a minimum.

Reporting by PHAN CHUNG – Translating by A.T