NSW Health is renewing its warnings about heatwave conditions across Sydney and many other parts of NSW over the next few days.

As the hot weather returns, Dr Richard Broome, NSW Health Director of Environmental Health, reminded the community to plan their day to avoid being out at the hottest times.

“We’ve seen marked increases in ED presentations with heat-related illnesses over the last week or so,” Dr Broome said. “It’s important that people take action to limit their exposure heat. Avoid being out in the middle of the day, try to minimise physical activity and drink plenty of water.”

Dr Broome said it was also very important to be aware of vulnerable members of the community like the elderly, infants and children, people with a chronic medical condition and those who live alone

“During hot weather, it’s important to stay in regular contact with elderly neighbours, friends and relatives, because helping them do basic chores to keep them out of the heat could make a life-saving difference,” he said.

Initial signs of heat-related illness may include faintness and dizziness, irritability, thirst, dark urine, headaches and later changes in skin colour, rapid pulse and shallow breathing, vomiting and confusion.

Dr Broome said it’s important to get to a cool place quickly if symptoms occur. People showing severe signs of heat-related illness should seek urgent medical attention.

More information can be found at Beat the heat.