Why heat is dangerous

Afghan summers can be very hot, especially in the south, east and north. In strong heat the body loses water and salts through sweat. If they are not replaced, dehydration and heat illness can follow. Babies and young children, older people, pregnant women, people with long-term illnesses and people who work outdoors are most at risk.

How to stay safe in the heat

  • Drink water regularly through the day, even before you feel thirsty. People who work outdoors need to drink more.
  • Avoid the sun and heavy work during the hottest hours, around midday and early afternoon. Rest in the shade.
  • Wear light, loose, light-coloured clothes and cover your head.
  • Keep rooms cooler by closing curtains during the day and opening windows in the cooler evening and night.
  • Breastfeed babies often; babies under six months do not need extra water.
  • Never leave a child alone in a closed car or other vehicle, even for a short time.
  • Check on older neighbours and relatives who live alone.
  • Store food carefully: in the heat, cooked food spoils quickly and can cause diarrhoea.

Signs of dehydration and heat exhaustion

Thirst, dark yellow urine or passing little urine, a dry mouth, headache, dizziness, tiredness, muscle cramps, nausea and heavy sweating. In babies, look for passing urine less often, a sunken soft spot on the head, and crying without tears.

If you see these signs, move the person to a cool, shaded place, loosen their clothes, give water, or ORS made from a packet, in small sips, and cool the skin with a damp cloth.

When to see a doctor

See a health worker if symptoms do not improve within an hour of resting and drinking, or if a child has diarrhoea or vomiting in the heat. Heat stroke is an emergency. Go to the nearest hospital immediately if someone has hot skin with confusion, strange behaviour, fainting, a convulsion or a very high temperature. While you wait for help, keep cooling them with water and fanning, but do not force drinks on someone who is not fully awake.

For advice on heat and health, book a consultation with a doctor in the app or visit a clinic.