Heat stroke and fever symptoms

Heat stroke develops when the body cannot release heat effectively. A person may have hot skin, a severe headache, dizziness, weakness, fast breathing, a rapid heartbeat, nausea or vomiting. The most concerning change is altered brain function: confusion, unusual behaviour, poor coordination, extreme sleepiness, seizure or collapse. Sweating can be present or absent, and skin temperature by touch is not a reliable guide. Fever from infection can look similar, but heat exposure and rapid deterioration make this situation urgent.

Call emergency services and begin cooling immediately. Move the person away from heat, remove excess clothing, wet the skin and use moving air or cool packs around the neck, armpits and groin. Keep monitoring breathing. If the person is alert and swallows normally, offer small sips; do not force drinks or place anything in the mouth during confusion or seizure. Hospital care can include monitored cooling and IV fluid therapy.

Treat confusion, fainting, seizure, severe headache, repeated vomiting, breathing problems or inability to drink as an emergency. Do not wait for a home thermometer, a normal-looking amount of sweat or improvement after a brief rest. Anyone who develops symptoms after strenuous activity or prolonged heat exposure should be assessed promptly, because complications can progress even when the person says they feel better.

Ask what may have triggered the episode, whether medicines or a medical condition increased vulnerability, and how to plan hydration, breaks and cooling during future heat exposure. Clarify when work, sport or travel in hot weather can safely resume.