Outdoors temperatures will remain above 90 degrees for the next week and there are two heat-related illnesses people need to be watchful of.

Greene County Public Health Director Becky Wolf says one of those illnesses is heat exhaustion. She notes that heat exhaustion is when your body reacts to being exposed to the sun for a long period of time. Wolf points out the symptoms of heat exhaustion include frequent sweating, cold, clammy and pale skin; a weak but fast pulse, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, dizziness and headaches. She talks about treatment options if someone notices these symptoms.

“You need to make sure you move them to a cool place, even if it’s under the tree; loosen their clothing, put cool, wet clothes on their body, or have them slip into a cool shower or a cool bath; and have them start sipping water.”

Wolf recommends seeking medical attention if heat exhaustion symptoms don’t improve within one hour. 

Wolf says a more serious heat-related illness is heat stroke. The symptoms for heat stroke include, a body temperature of 103-degrees or higher, hot, red and dry skin; a fast and strong pulse, headaches and dizziness, nausea, and memory loss or confusion. She recommends calling 911 immediately as heat stroke is a life-threatening illness. Wolf advises another important aspect if you notice signs of heat stroke.

“If they are having heat stroke, and they are unconscious or they’re not really with the program, do not give them anything to drink, because they could choke and aspirate. Then you’re having more problems there.”

Wolf suggests trying to move heat stroke victims to a cooler environment and place cool, wet clothes around the neck, chest, forehead and groin areas before medical personnel arrive.