An urgent health alert has been issued to residents in the UK as weather forecasts suggest that the country may face scorching temperatures surpassing those of Ibiza this week.
The Met Office predicts intense heat across England and Wales in the upcoming days, with the possibility of isolated thunderstorms following the fine weather experienced on Sunday.
Ventusky’s maps indicate that Huntingdonshire could see highs of 33C, exceeding Ibiza’s expected 31C temperature. The peak heat in the UK is projected to occur around 4 pm on Tuesday, as per the forecast following a previous prediction of a significant heatwave with temperatures reaching 39C.
With the fourth heatwave of the summer approaching, experts caution that certain prescription medications, such as diabetes drugs like insulin and metformin, may exacerbate heat-related issues. These medications could elevate the risk of dehydration, which poses health dangers, especially in hot weather.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency warns that dehydration symptoms like dizziness, headaches, fatigue, confusion, and dark urine could be more severe for individuals taking diabetes medications. The agency advises those feeling unwell in hot conditions to move to cooler places, hydrate slowly, and seek medical assistance if symptoms persist.
Individuals on antidepressants, particularly SSRIs that affect serotonin levels in the brain to improve mood and sleep, should also be cautious during hot weather. The increased sweating caused by these medications can hinder the body’s cooling mechanisms, potentially leading to dehydration and further rise in body temperature.
As the UK faces heatwave alerts and rising temperatures, the Mirror has launched a Health & Wellbeing WhatsApp community to provide subscribers with real-time health warnings and advice directly to their phones. Joining the community offers access to breaking health news, exclusive updates, and special offers from the Mirror and its partners.
It is essential not to discontinue antidepressants abruptly, as this can be dangerous. Instead, individuals should follow their prescribed regimen and take extra precautions during hot weather, such as avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours, staying hydrated, and wearing light, breathable clothing like cotton or linen.
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