Heatstroke can be fatal for the elderly: emergency heatwave guide issued by authorities

Public Health Alert Amid Extreme Heatwave Conditions

The National Institute of Public Health (INSP) has issued a guide of urgent measures as Romania endures a wave of extreme heat, with daily temperatures consistently exceeding the heatwave threshold. Health authorities are warning that prolonged exposure to high temperatures can have serious, potentially fatal consequences, particularly for elderly people.

Why Older Adults Are More Vulnerable During Heatwaves

Elderly people are among the most at-risk groups during periods of intense heat. The ageing body gradually loses its ability to regulate temperature efficiently, and chronic conditions common among older adults — cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and kidney failure — significantly increase the risk of severe complications. Furthermore, some medications routinely taken by seniors can interfere with the body's thermoregulation mechanisms.

Warning Signs That Require Immediate Attention

Doctors warn that heatstroke and heat exhaustion can rapidly escalate into life-threatening situations. The main warning symptoms include:

• Elevated body temperature, dry and hot skin
• Confusion, disorientation, or loss of consciousness
• Severe headaches and intense dizziness
• Nausea, vomiting, and sudden weakness
• Rapid pulse and accelerated breathing

Recommended Emergency Measures

If heatstroke is suspected, the first step is to move the affected person to a cool space or into the shade. It is recommended to apply cold compresses to the back of the neck, armpits, and groin area, provide cool water to drink (if the person is conscious), and call the emergency services immediately on 112. Antipyretic medications should not be administered in cases of heatstroke, as the underlying mechanism differs from that of ordinary fever.

Preventive Guidelines for Heatwave Days

Authorities recommend that older adults and their carers strictly observe several essential rules during periods of extreme heat: avoid going outdoors between 11:00 and 18:00, keep the home cool by closing blinds during the day, drink water frequently — at least 1.5 to 2 litres per day — even in the absence of thirst, and wear lightweight, light-coloured clothing.

Special Recommendations for Residents of Care Homes

Staff at residential centres and care homes have an additional responsibility to closely monitor the wellbeing of residents during heatwave periods. Regular checks of hydration levels are recommended, as is ensuring a cool environment in bedrooms and common areas, and contacting a doctor at the first signs of deterioration in a resident's general condition. Home carers are also advised to increase the frequency of their visits on days of extreme temperature.

Health authorities stress that prevention remains the most effective defence against the effects of extreme heat, and urge families to maintain close contact with their elderly relatives, particularly those who live alone.