What should you know about sun stroke fever?

Sun stroke results from environmental or exertional heat overwhelming temperature control. The person may feel feverish, hot, weak, dizzy or nauseated, but confusion, fainting, seizure, unusual behaviour or difficulty waking make the situation an emergency. Infection can also cause fever, and fever with no heat exposure should be assessed on its own terms rather than labelled sun stroke.

Move the person away from heat, remove extra clothing and cool the skin with water, wet cloths and moving air. Call emergency services if alertness is altered or the person collapses. Keep monitoring breathing and place an unconscious breathing person on their side. Do not force water, fever medicine or food when swallowing is impaired, vomiting is present or the person is confused.

Seek emergency help for confusion, seizure, collapse, severe drowsiness, poor coordination or rapidly worsening illness after heat exposure. A thermometer reading should not delay the call. If the person is alert and stable but fever continues, a GP Consultation can help distinguish infection, medication effects and other causes and decide what assessment is needed.

Ask whether the pattern fits heat illness or infection, which medicines are safe for you, and how long to avoid exertion. Explain where the person was, the environmental conditions, measured temperature if available, fluid intake and every change in alertness.