The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting parts of New South Wales will be affected by a heat wave over the coming days.

With temperatures expected to reach into the high 30s and early 40s in Western NSW, Western Sydney and the lower Blue Mountains this week and over the weekend, NSW Health is urging people to take the risk of heat-related illness seriously.

Dr Richard Broome, NSW Health Medical Adviser in Environmental Health said that, while heat-related illness may affect anyone, certain groups are particularly vulnerable.

These include the over 75s, infants and children, people with a chronic medical condition and people who live alone.

“Australians are accustomed to hot weather and generally consider themselves resilient to such conditions” said Dr Broome.

“However, every year, hot weather and heat waves cause illness, hospitalisations and sometimes even deaths. The heat wave that affected Sydney in February 2011 caused an estimated 595 emergency department visits and 96 deaths which is a stark reminder that extreme heat presents a real and potentially life-threatening risk”

During a heat wave, it is very important to stay in regular contact with your elderly friends, neighbours and relatives, and to look out for other vulnerable members of your community.

“Heat puts a lot of strain on the body and can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It can also make underlying health conditions worse. However, being prepared and taking some simple precautions can reduce the risk of heat-related illness” said Dr Broome.

These simple precautions will help people minimise their risk of heat-related illness:

• drink plenty of water, and remember to carry some with you when you’re out and about
• avoid alcoholic, hot or sugary drinks
• plan your day around the heat. Stay indoors between 11am and 5pm and minimise physical activity
• keep the sun out of your house by shading windows with an awning, shade-cloth or plants. Shutting curtains will also help
• keep windows closed during the day. Open them when it cools down at night or the early morning
• if you have an air-conditioner, make sure it’s working
• if you don’t have an air-conditioner, try to spend some time in an air-conditioned place like a shopping centre, library or cinema
• wear light, loose fitting clothing made from natural fibres like cotton
• if outdoors, ensure you are protected from the sun by wearing a hat and sunscreen.

“Signs of heat-related illness include confusion, dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, weakness, headaches and loss of sweating” Dr Broome said.

“People showing any of these signs should seek urgent medical attention through their GP or local emergency department.”

More information about heat-health, including downloadable advice in several languages, can be found at Beat the heat resources.