How Extreme Heat Affects the Immune System and the Health of Older Adults

Contrary to the popular belief that summer is the healthiest season, medical specialists warn that extreme temperatures can have a significant impact on the immune system, particularly in elderly people who are more vulnerable to climate changes.

The effects of heat on the immune system

Intense heat can compromise the body's natural ability to defend itself against pathogens. At high temperatures, the body redirects energy towards maintaining thermal balance, leaving the immune system in a functional deficit.

Older adults are particularly exposed to these risks due to age-related changes in the thermoregulation system and an already diminished immune response.

Increased risks for the elderly

Older people can more easily develop respiratory, urinary, or skin infections during heatwave periods. Dehydration, which is common amongst seniors during summer, further aggravates the already compromised functioning of the immune system.

Furthermore, some medications taken chronically by elderly individuals can affect the body's ability to cope with extreme heat, creating a vicious cycle of vulnerability.

Doctors recommend carefully monitoring the health of seniors during heatwave periods and adapting their lifestyle to minimise the risks associated with high temperatures.