Why heat is in the health news
On 21 October 2026, WHO and partner agencies launched indicators to help countries monitor heat’s effects on pregnant women, newborns and children. The aim is to connect health information with heat exposure so services can prepare and respond better.
Separately, WHO’s 30 September guidance on mass gatherings emphasizes water, cooling, safer scheduling and medical readiness. These developments do not mean every hot day is an emergency. They reinforce the value of a plan before someone becomes unwell.
Sources: WHO — Monitoring heat risks in pregnancy and childhood, 21 October 2026; WHO — Heat safety at mass gatherings, 30 September 2026
Who may need extra support?
Anyone can develop heat-related illness. Babies, young children, older adults, pregnant people and people with some chronic conditions may need extra protection. Outdoor workers and people exercising in hot conditions also face greater exposure.
High humidity can make it harder for the body to lose heat through sweating. A familiar climate is not a guarantee of safety. Think about time outdoors, the effort involved, clothing and whether a genuinely cool place is available along the way.
Sources: WHO — Heat and health; CDC — Heat, health and medicine planning
Build cooling into the day
- Check local heat warnings and move demanding outdoor activity to a cooler time where possible.
- Plan rest breaks in shade or a cool indoor space, not only a water stop.
- Carry drinking water and refill it regularly. Follow your clinician’s advice if you have a prescribed fluid restriction.
- Wear suitable light, loose clothing and protect exposed skin from the sun.
- Check on someone who lives alone or cannot easily reach cooling.
For example, choose a meeting point near an indoor public space and agree that anyone feeling unwell can leave early. Ask an employer or event organiser about cooling breaks and first aid rather than relying on personal endurance.
Sources: WHO — Heat and health; CDC — Heat, health and medicine planning; WHO — Heat safety at mass gatherings, 30 September 2026
Plan around family needs and medicines
Never leave a child in a parked vehicle, even for a short stop. For outings, check access to shade, cooling and a way to get home. Ask a maternity or child-health professional for guidance tailored to pregnancy, infant feeding or a child’s medical needs.
Some medicines affect heat tolerance, and some need particular storage conditions. Ask a clinician or pharmacist about a hot-weather plan. Do not stop or change a medicine yourself. If your home is difficult to cool, identify a safer place to spend the hottest part of the day.
Sources: WHO — Heat and health; CDC — Heat, health and medicine planning
Recognize symptoms and act early
Heat exhaustion can cause heavy sweating, thirst, headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness or cramps. Stop the activity, move to a cool place, remove unnecessary outer clothing and cool the skin with water. If the person is fully alert and can swallow safely, offer water. Stay with them.
Get medical advice if symptoms are difficult to manage or are not improving promptly. Heatstroke signs such as confusion, seizures or loss of consciousness need emergency assistance immediately; do not wait to see whether rest works. A person can still be sweating during serious heat illness. Do not give drinks to someone who is not fully alert or cannot swallow safely.
Sources: NHS — Heat exhaustion and heatstroke; CDC/NIOSH — Heat-related illnesses and first aid
Common questions
Is drinking water enough to prevent heat illness?
No. Reducing heat exposure, taking cooling breaks and adjusting activity also matter. People with fluid restrictions need an individual hydration plan.
Should I change my medication on hot days?
Do not change prescribed treatment yourself. Ask your clinician or pharmacist about heat risks, storage and a practical plan before very hot weather.
Sources & further reading
Public sources consulted for this update. Guidance can differ by country and personal circumstances.
HealthBook provides general health information for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.