DOH cautions public vs extreme sun exposure

MANILA, Philippines - The Department Health (DOH) yesterday warned the public against prolonged exposure to sunlight this summer.

DOH chief epidemiologist Dr. Eric Tayag said a person may suffer from heat stroke when exposed to sunlight between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Avoid going out during mid-day or from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Always bring umbrella, hat or anything that can protect (you) from sunlight,” Tayag said.

Tayag explained that heat stroke could be fatal if not treated immediately. He said symptoms include high body temperature.

“It’s similar to cardiac arrest. We should not let ourselves experience heat stroke, especially the elders. The thermo regulation of the body changes as you grow older so you can hardly notice that your temperature is going up,” he said.

Tayag advised the public to drink water, particularly when perspiring heavily.

“You have to replace the water that your body loses when perspiring. If you are perspiring and your skin is already hot, that means that you are already developing heat stroke,” he said.

Tayag said a person showing initial signs of heat stroke should be soaked in water to cool down blood circulation.

Heat stroke is characterized by high body temperature, rapid pulse, absence of sweating, difficulty in breathing, hallucination and disorientation, among others. – Sheila Crisostomo