Published: 1 July 2026

As temperatures rise across Lebanon and the region, Droguerie Phenicia is sharing practical health guidance to help individuals and families reduce the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Extreme heat can affect anyone. During periods of very high temperature or humidity, the body may struggle to release excess heat and maintain a safe internal temperature.

Prolonged heat exposure can cause dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and, in severe cases, heatstroke. It can also place additional strain on the heart and kidneys and may worsen cardiovascular, respiratory, kidney and metabolic conditions.

Who Is Most at Risk During Extreme Heat?

Although everyone should take precautions, certain people are more vulnerable to high temperatures, including:

• Babies and young children
• Older adults
• Pregnant women
• People with heart, kidney, respiratory or metabolic conditions
• People with limited mobility
• Outdoor workers
• Athletes and people exercising outdoors
• People living alone
• People without reliable access to a cool indoor environment
• People taking medicines that may affect hydration, sweating, blood pressure, kidney function or temperature regulation

Certain medicines may increase the risk of dehydration, low blood pressure, kidney injury or impaired temperature regulation during hot weather. Patients should never stop or change a prescribed treatment without consulting their physician or pharmacist.

How to Stay Safe in High Temperatures

1. Drink Water Regularly

Drink water throughout the day rather than waiting until you feel thirsty. Thirst may not always provide an early enough warning, particularly among older adults.

Increase fluid intake when exercising, working outdoors or sweating heavily. Limit alcohol and avoid excessive quantities of highly sugary drinks.

People who have been advised to restrict fluids because of a heart or kidney condition should continue to follow their healthcare professional’s instructions.

2. Avoid the Hottest Hours

Whenever possible, avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day. Plan exercise, errands and physically demanding work for the early morning or evening.

When outdoor activity cannot be avoided:

• Reduce the intensity and duration of physical effort
• Take frequent breaks
• Rest in the shade or an air-conditioned area
• Drink water regularly
• Avoid working or exercising alone

Water, rest and access to shade or a cooler environment are central to preventing heat-related illness.

3. Keep Indoor Spaces as Cool as Possible

During the hottest hours:

• Close curtains, shutters or blinds exposed to direct sunlight
• Turn off unnecessary lights and heat-generating appliances
• Use air conditioning when available
• Move to the coolest room in the home
• Ventilate the home during cooler evening or early-morning hours when outdoor conditions permit

Fans may improve comfort, but during severe heat they may not provide sufficient cooling on their own. Moving to a cooler or air-conditioned location may be necessary.

Where electricity supply is interrupted or air conditioning is unavailable, plan in advance to spend part of the hottest period in a cooler location.

4. Wear Suitable Clothing

Choose lightweight, loose-fitting and light-coloured clothing.

When outside:

• Wear a wide-brimmed hat
• Use sunglasses with ultraviolet protection
• Seek shade whenever possible
• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to exposed skin

Sunscreen protects against ultraviolet radiation, but it does not prevent dehydration, heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

5. Cool the Body

Cooling measures may include:

• Taking a cool shower or bath
• Applying cool, damp cloths to the skin
• Wetting the face, neck and arms
• Resting in a shaded or air-conditioned environment
• Using cold packs wrapped in cloth around the neck or under the arms

Avoid applying ice directly to the skin for prolonged periods.

6. Never Leave Anyone in a Parked Vehicle

Never leave a child, older person, dependent adult or pet inside a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes or with the windows partly open.

The temperature inside a vehicle can rise rapidly and create a life-threatening environment.

7. Check on Vulnerable People

During very hot weather, regularly check on relatives, neighbours and people who live alone.

Confirm that they:

• Have access to drinking water
• Are staying in a sufficiently cool environment
• Understand the warning signs of heat-related illness
• Can obtain assistance when needed
• Are storing medicines according to the instructions on the packaging

Signs of Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion may occur when the body loses excessive water and salt through sweating.

Possible signs include:

• Heavy sweating
• Headache
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Weakness or unusual fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Rapid heartbeat
• Cool, pale or clammy skin
• Feeling faint
• Reduced urination

The person should stop physical activity, move to a cooler place, loosen unnecessary clothing and begin cooling the skin.

Offer small amounts of cool water if the person is fully awake and able to swallow safely. Seek medical assistance if symptoms are severe, worsen or do not improve promptly.

Heatstroke Is a Medical Emergency

Heatstroke is the most serious heat-related illness and requires immediate medical attention.

Warning signs may include:

• Confusion or unusual behaviour
• Difficulty speaking
• Loss of coordination
• Collapse or loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Very high body temperature
• Hot skin, which may be dry or sweaty

While waiting for assistance:

• Move the person to a cooler location
• Remove unnecessary outer clothing
• Begin rapid cooling with cool water or wet cloths
• Apply wrapped cold packs around the neck, under the arms and near the groin
• Stay with the person and monitor breathing

Do not force the person to drink if they are confused, unconscious, vomiting or unable to swallow safely. Do not delay emergency treatment while waiting to measure body temperature.

Medicines During Hot Weather

High temperatures may affect both patients and their medicines.

Some treatments may influence sweating, hydration, blood pressure, kidney function or temperature regulation. Heat may also affect medicines that require storage below a specified temperature.

During periods of extreme heat:

• Do not stop prescribed medicines without medical advice
• Ask a physician or pharmacist whether additional precautions are needed
• Follow the storage conditions printed on the medicine packaging
• Do not leave medicines in a parked vehicle
• Do not store medicines in direct sunlight
• Do not place medicines in a refrigerator unless refrigeration is specifically required

Anyone experiencing dizziness, fainting, unusual weakness, reduced urination or new symptoms during hot weather should seek professional medical advice.

Preparing for Hot Weather

Heat-related illness is often preventable. Before temperatures rise:

• Follow official local weather alerts
• Keep drinking water readily available
• Identify the coolest available room or location
• Plan outdoor activities for cooler hours
• Check on vulnerable relatives and neighbours
• Review medicine-related precautions with a healthcare professional
• Know the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke

Preparation is particularly important during prolonged heatwaves, when high night-time temperatures may prevent the body from recovering adequately.

Protect Yourself and Others

Extreme heat should be treated as a significant health risk, not simply as a source of discomfort.

Regular hydration, reduced exposure, appropriate clothing, access to cooler environments and early recognition of symptoms can prevent many heat-related emergencies.

By preparing in advance and checking on vulnerable people, individuals and communities can remain safer during periods of high temperature.

Medical Disclaimer

This article provides general health information and does not replace diagnosis, treatment or personalised advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Anyone experiencing confusion, collapse, seizures, loss of consciousness or other signs of heatstroke requires immediate emergency medical assistance.

Sources and Medical References

1. World Health Organization. Heat and Health. Updated 28 April 2026.
2. World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. Strengthening Heat–Health Action Plans to Protect Public Health. Published 2 June 2026.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Heat and Your Health. Updated 25 July 2025.
4. CDC National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Heat-Related Illnesses. Updated 3 March 2026.
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heat and Medications: Guidance for Clinicians.
6. Lebanese Red Cross. Emergency and Contact Information. Emergency medical service: 140.