What you can do to avoid a heat stroke in the heart of Hong Kong summer
The city is likely to break more hot weather records this year, so doctors recommend drinking more water, and not exercising under the sun for long periods, among other tips
Hong Kong sweltered in the heat during three consecutive days of dangerously hot weather last week, with at least 14 people rushed to hospitals for heat stroke. Among them was a 19-year-old hiker who was sent to the emergency room in a critical condition.
Hong Kong can expect to see more searing days and night for the rest of the summer, as it is on track to break more hot weather records this year. Last year saw the most number of “very hot weather” warnings issued since records began.
Extreme weather patterns and global warming will also affect the temperature, and may possibly increase the risk of heat stroke.
While the city’s Hospital Authority and Department of Health do not report a yearly tally of heat stroke cases, doctors warn that they are no joking matter. In 2009, there were about 100 in-patient discharges, including two patient deaths, in public and private hospitals, which were attributed to heat-related illnesses.
Here are what you need to know about heat-related illnesses, heat stroke and how you can prevent it.
