Suspected coronavirus (COVID-19): important information to keep you safe while isolating at home
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Tips for staying healthy in the hot weather
Summer is here so many people will be planning weekends away and summer day trips with their families. As temperatures increase it’s worth taking time to read the NHS sun safety advice, and get to know what health help is available nearby should it be needed.
Many look forward to getting out and enjoying the hot weather but it’s important to remember that it can also be dangerous and knowing how to keep cool during long periods can help save lives.
As part of the advice about coping in hot weather, make sure you:
- drink plenty of water and keep well hydrated
- stay in the shade where possible between 11am – 3pm
- take rest breaks if you’re out and about
- wear sunscreen above SPF15 and cover up in the sun.
Key advice in hot weather includes:
- Plan ahead to make sure you have enough supplies, such as water, food and any medications you need.
- Avoid the heat: stay out of the sun and don’t go out between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day) if you’re vulnerable to the effects of heat.
- Drink cold drinks regularly, such as water and fruit juice. Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol. Take water with you if travelling.
- Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, older people, young children or animals.
- Shut windows and pull down the shades when it is hotter outside. If it’s safe, open them for ventilation when it is cooler.
- Keep rooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside the windows. If this isn’t possible, use light-coloured curtains and keep them closed (metallic blinds and dark curtains can make the room hotter). Identify the coolest room in the house so you know where to go to keep cool.
- Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water.
- Stay tuned to the weather forecast on the radio or TV, or at the Met Office website.
- Wear loose, cool clothing, and a hat if you go outdoors. Wear UV sunglasses to reduce UV exposure to eyes and apply a sunscreen of at least SPF15 with UVA protection.
Where to get the right advice and treatment
As always, people are urged not to go to A&E or call 999 unless it’s an emergency. If you are in any doubt, NHS111 can help you get the right treatment or you can find more information on the NHS website.
Heatwave and protecting vulnerable people
A UK heatwave threshold is met when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold as defined by the Met Office (27 C).
Heatwave alerts are often announced during July and August, and there is some key advice from health experts to help everyone stay safe and well in the sun.
Vulnerable people are at the most risk when temperatures start to soar. As most heat-related health problems occur in the first two days of a heatwave, it’s important to make sure we are all prepared to reduce harm from a potential heatwave. We work with Essex County Council and other partners to prepare for heatwaves and alert the public.
Who is at risk?
The heat can affect anyone, but some people may be more at risk, including:
- older people, especially those over 75
- babies and young children
- people with a serious chronic condition, particularly dementia, heart, breathing or mobility problems
- people with serious mental health problems
- people on certain medications, including those that affect sweating and temperature control (for example diuretics, antihistamines, beta-blockers and antipsychotics)
- people who are already ill and dehydrated (for example from gastroenteritis)
- people who misuse alcohol or drugs
- people who are physically active (for example soldiers, athletes, hikers and manual workers)
- homeless people
Watch out for signs of dehydration and heat exhaustion.
The links below provide further advice about how to protect yourself and others:
If you need medical assistance and it’s not an emergency call 111 or visit NHS.
Self Isolation Notes
If you are needing a self isolation note for your employer please click here to download a letter you can complete.
Southend Coronavirus Action
Please click here (PDF, 817KB) for further information about the Southend Coronavirus Action service.
EASY-READ COVID-19 INFORMATION
Mencap have produced some useful materials, please click here for more information
Coronavirus Pharmacy Advice
Do not over order repeat prescriptions
- Only order what you need when you need it.
- You can order repeat prescriptions through the NHS app.
Visit nhs.uk/app to find out how
- Your prescriptions will be sent electronically to your chosen pharmacy - you do not need to go to your gp practice to collect the script
Pharmacy opening times may change to help deal with demand
- Please be patient and observe social distancing stand 2m apart
- Please be kind to staff
- Please help us so that everyone gets the medicines they need and we can help keep our staff and local community safe