Mercury rising: Doctors’ guide to survive heat

The Telegraph speaks to Chadramouli Bhattacharya, the infectious diseases expert at Peerless Hospital, and Apurba Ghosh, paediatrician and director of the Institute of Child Health

Sanjay Mandal   |   TT  | Calcutta   |  20.04.23 : Should I go for a morning walk? Drink more water than I usually do? Is it safe to stay in an air-conditioned room for long hours to beat the heat? Queries such as these are dogging heat-scalded Calcuttans over the past week

The Telegraph spoke to Chadramouli Bhattacharya, the infectious diseases expert at Peerless Hospital, and Apurba Ghosh, paediatrician and director of the Institute of Child Health, Calcutta, to find the answers.

How much water should I drink to stay hydrated now? Is it okay to consume cold beverages to quench my thirst?

An average healthy adult with no fluid restrictions due to medical reasons should drink 3 to 3.5 litres of water every day now. However, those spending more time outdoors have to drink more. Those with chronic medical issues should drink only as much water as their physicians allow.

On average, a healthy child weighing 20kg should have 1.5 litres of water.

Drinking cold beverages is not advisable because they have high sugar content and do not help replenish fluid loss. On the contrary, they can aggravate dehydration.

Can I go for morning walks?

Morning walks should be completed before the day temperature starts rising.

But this does not necessarily mean it should be done before sunrise. However, under the present condition, morning walks should be done in moderation, preferably less than usual. Those who do not have comorbidities should drink extra fluids during or after walks and those with comorbidities and fluid restrictions should avoid morning walks at the moment.

Is it okay for my child to play outdoors?

Ideally, they should not be outdoors for a prolonged period of time between 10am and 4pm because that is when the temperature is at its peak. This can cause heat exhaustion and heat stroke. While outdoors, children should wear light-coloured clothes.

If I have elderly family members at home, what should I do?

If the family member has fluid restriction advice for medical conditions like chronic renal disease, it should be reconfirmed with the doctor. If there are early signs of confusion, dizziness, new onset of weakness or fever, early medical consultation is important.

Is staying in an air-conditioned room for long hours harmful?

It is not harmful because you are staying in a controlled temperature. Doctors are advising elderly people to stay in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible to prevent heat exhaustion.

Is it okay to take shower more than once? What about children?

At least two baths a day are now recommended for normal healthy adults to help them keep hydrated. Children also should ideally take shower twice a day and use soap, which will keep the pores clean and help the body lose excess heat.