Shielding indoors raises risk of heatstroke

SPECIALISTS have warned that those who have been shielding may suffer from heatstroke as they won’t be acclimatised to hot weather.

Elderly and vulnerable groups who have been isolating due to coronavirus are especially at risk from hot weather.

A heatwave spreading over the UK will see temperatures reach as high as 34 degrees tomorrow according to the Met Office. “In this climate people need to be more careful than ever and make sure they hydrate regularly, which may become an issue with wearing face coverings for extended periods of time,” Dr Nick Scriven, of the Society for Acute Medicine, told The Telegraph.

“People need to be sensible with their clothing and protect their heads from strong direct sunlight and heat, especially if they have not been exposed to it for several weeks.”

At the start of the month, Boris Johnson lifted shielding measures for 2.2million people, many of whom had been in indoors isolation for 10 weeks.

Temperatures will be the hottest in the UK since last August, according to the Met Office. Emer O’connell, a consultant at Public Health England, said: “Older people, those with underlying health conditions and very young children are more at risk in hot weather.”

The pandemic has meant that avoiding unnecessary trips to A&E from preventable issues such as failing to protect yourself from the heat are a “priority” for beleaguered NHS staff. “I’m certain I speak for many healthcare workers in saying that prevention of unnecessary hospital or GP attendances is among top priorities as we continue to try to provide a safe, caring service,” said Dr Scriven.