How to avoid heat-related illnesses as triple-digit threat moves in

North Carolinians are bracing for extreme temperatures expected to pose significant health risks for several days.

Temperatures are forecast to climb into the triple digits Wednesday, July 1, through Monday, July 6, with the most dangerous heat anticipated over the Fourth of July weekend. WRAL meteorologists warn the heat index could easily approach 110 degrees.

Dr. Kimberly Caulway, regional medical director of Duke Urgent Care in Wake County, said people need to start preparing now.

“Ahead of extreme stretches of heat like we are having, what you can do is ensure that there's plenty of access to fluids and that the air conditioning is functioning,” Caulway said.

Caulway advised people to check in on elderly neighbors to ensure they have enough fluids on hand as well.

Young children, older adults, and those with pre-existing medical conditions are most at risk for heat-related illnesses, in part because they may struggle to regulate their body temperature as easily. However, Caulway warned that temperatures this high pose a threat to everyone.

“The first concern is folks that have to work out in the heat and earn a living out in the heat,” Caulway said. “Getting behind on your fluids can be really sneaky. Prolonged exposure for even just an hour or two in the extreme heat from anywhere from 10 a.m. to almost 8 p.m. can be very dangerous.”

The emergency physician shared that recognizing the early warning signs of heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke, can help prevent patients from needing more intensive treatment.

“Heat exhaustion is your body's first warning sign. You’re feeling weak at that time, you may be feeling more fatigued, you may start to experience nausea,” Caulway said.

The physician advised anyone experiencing these symptoms to seek out an air-conditioned space and drink plenty of water and electrolytes. At urgent care, Caulway said these patients are usually treated with IV fluids.

Caulway continued, “Heat stroke can consist of prolonged and recurrent vomiting, lightheadedness, passing out, and seizures.”

Caulway said heat stroke symptoms warrant an immediate trip to an emergency room or a call to 911. If not treated quickly, heat stroke can cause neurological damage, require a patient to be placed on a ventilator, or lead to death.

Caulway advised everyone to begin drinking more fluids now, ahead of the anticipated spike in heat.

“Drink abundantly because we lose so much fluid from sweating,” she said. “If you’re going to be outdoors for a prolonged amount of time, wear light clothing, loose-fitting clothing, and make sure that you can seek shade.”

The physician also advised people to remember the dangerous combination of drinking alcohol in extreme heat ahead of the holiday weekend.

“Alcohol consumption does lead to dehydration even on a regular day. Unfortunately, during the heat, you are losing bodily fluids via the diuretic effect that occurs, meaning it's causing more urination,” said Caulway. “ You are losing fluids and getting behind already, and then when you're exposed to heat, it just compounds the losses. As well as your judgement, you may not be paying attention to the warning signs and not noticing them.”