Pinoys warned against heat-related illnesses as extreme heat looms

The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday warned the public against heat-related illnesses as the weather bureau forecast a "danger" level of heat indices in at least three areas.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) stations in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija forecast 45 degrees; and Science Garden, Quezon City and Clark Airport, Pampanga forecast 46 degrees. The trend is expected to continue until 4 March.

Heat index is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with air.

PAGASA classifies temperatures ranging from 33 to 41 degrees Celsius as “extreme caution” and temperatures from 42 to 51 degrees Celsius as “danger.”

The DOH said such temperatures can lead to heat cramps and heat exhaustion, with symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, headache, and vomiting.

It likewise warned that exposure to heat increases the likelihood of heat stroke, a serious condition with loss of consciousness, confusion, or seizures/convulsions, which can be fatal if untreated.

If any of these symptoms are observed, the public is advised to use the following first aid measures:

• Move the person to a shady and cool place, and adjust the ventilation. Remove the person's outer clothing.

• Apply cold compresses, ice packs, cold water, or cold wet cloths to the skin, especially around the head, face, neck, armpits, wrists, ankles, and groin.

• If the patient is conscious, encourage frequent but slow sips of cold water.

• Contact emergency services, or take the person to a hospital immediately.

The public is advised to regularly monitor reports from PAGASA and take preventive measures against these diseases, including drinking plenty of water, avoiding iced tea, soda, coffee, or alcoholic beverages, and limiting time spent outside between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

It also instructed the public to use sun protection such as hats, umbrellas, and sunblock, as well as to wear loose and light clothing.

"We can avoid heat illnesses. Find out from PAGASA the heat index. Be careful, especially when the heat index is 33 Celsius," Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said.

"When the heat index reaches or exceeds 42 Celsius, that's 'danger' - drink clean water often," Herbosa added.

Several local government units in Metro Manila, including Caloocan, Las Piñas, Malabon, and Valenzuela, on Monday suspended in-person classes due to the "danger" level heat index.