WITH summer and the dreaded heatwave season upon us, Aussies, particularly older people, are being urged to remain COVID cautious and to adopt a different approach to keeping cool.
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The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners advises people not to do the tried and true solution for a hot day - heading for the cool air-conditioned local shopping centre - but to prepare for the heat in other ways.
The college's Victoria chairwoman Dr Anita Munoz said the advice for patients had to change because of COVID-19.
"We have done a great job in Australia to stop the COVID-19 virus spreading, and we don't want to go backwards and see another spike in cases," she said.
"This is why the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners is changing its advice for patients in times of extreme heat, particularly those who are more vulnerable, such as older people.
This year is different because we are still in the grips of a worldwide pandemic - COVID-19 is highly contagious, and the last thing we want is people, particularly vulnerable people, gathering in public places during heatwaves.
- RACGP Victoria Chairwoman Dr Anita Munoz
"We used to advise people to go to a public place with air-conditioning on very hot days, such as a shopping centre, as we know many people don't have access to a cool home.
"This year is different because we are still in the grips of a worldwide pandemic. COVID-19 is highly contagious, and the last thing we want is people, particularly vulnerable people, gathering in public places during heatwaves.
"Instead, we want to get the message out to people to prepare for the heat in other ways."
So how can you stay cooler on a heat wave day?
The RACGP recommends
- Drink plenty of water
- Keep your body cool. If you don't have access to air conditioning and only have a fan, use a wet towel to dampen your skin and it will make the airflow feel cooler. If you don't have a fan, just use a wet towel.
- Keep your house cool. Draw the curtains or blinds to block out the sun.
- Keep your food safe. Don't leave anything that might spoil out in the heat.
- Stay safe in the sun. Wear sunscreen, a wide brimmed hat, protective clothes that cover as much skin as possible, sunglasses that meet Australian standards, and seek shade.
- Stay tuned for instructions from emergency services authorities (such as to evacuate)
- People who don't have access to a private home should keep a bottle of water with them. Seek a cool, shady place, such as a public park with drinking taps, and stay safe in the sun.
- Avoid exercise and sports on high/extreme heat days
- Check in on vulnerable people you know during heat waves
- Never leave children or pets in cars
"Patients concerned about what to do in times of extreme heat should make an appointment with their GP - your GP can give you advice to suit your circumstances and concerns, including managing medicines during heatwaves, and how to stay hydrated and cool if you don't have air conditioning," said Dr Munoz
"I also urge everyone to look out for those who are more vulnerable in times of extreme heat. If you know someone who is more vulnerable, be they a neighbour, relative or friend, check in on them. A simple phone call can make a big difference."
- Read more: Look after your neighbours in the heat
- Read more: Heat stroke: be prepared
Eileen Wood
I'm a senior news journalist at The Senior newspaper, the leading publication bringing targeted news on issues affecting older Australians. We cover NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, SA and WA. If you have a story idea I would love to hear it. You can email me: eileen.wood@thesenior.com.au or phone The Senior 02-4355-5000, mob. 0487 495 805
I'm a senior news journalist at The Senior newspaper, the leading publication bringing targeted news on issues affecting older Australians. We cover NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, SA and WA. If you have a story idea I would love to hear it. You can email me: eileen.wood@thesenior.com.au or phone The Senior 02-4355-5000, mob. 0487 495 805
