Hunter New England Health physician has warned people about the risk of heat-related illness

Maitland, Singleton and Cessnock are set for 38-plus degree days from Saturday to Monday, including a 42 degree scorcher on Sunday.

Public health physician Dr David Durrheim said heat-related illness can affect anyone, but certain groups were particularly vulnerable, including elderly, infants and children, people with a chronic medical condition and people who live alone.

“Australians are accustomed to hot weather and generally consider themselves resilient to such conditions, but every year, hot weather and heat waves cause illness, hospitalisations and sometimes even deaths,” he said. 

“During a heat wave, it is very important to stay in regular contact with your elderly friends, neighbours and relatives, and to look out for other vulnerable members of your community.” 

Symptoms of heat-related illness include confusion, dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, weakness, headaches and loss of sweating.

People showing any of these signs should seek urgent medical attention through their GP or emergency department.

Some simple precautions will help people minimise their risk of health-related illness: 

Drink plenty of water and remember to carry some with you when you’re out and about

Avoid alcoholic, hot or sugary drinks

Plan your day around the heat. Stay indoors between 11am and 5pm and minimise physical activity

Keep the sun out of your house by shading windows with an awning, shade-cloth or plants. Shutting curtains will also help

Keep windows closed during the day. Open them when it cools down at night or in the early morning

If you have an air-conditioner, make sure it’s working

If you don’t have an air-conditioner, try to spend some time in an air-conditioned place like a shopping centre, library or cinema 

Wear light, loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibres like cotton